A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Samui vs. Khao Lak for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Lak? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a laid back, beautiful, and tropical resort island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a laid back, relaxed, and friendly area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Koh Samui and Khao Lak: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Khao Lak, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Khao Lak is more popular for its museums. Koh Samui is more touristy than Khao Lak and is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Khao Lak is well known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe.

How is Koh Samui different from Khao Lak?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Khao Lak and Koh Samui. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

Khao Lak is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Samui or Khao Lak? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Samui is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Koh Samui makes for a great culinary experience. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Koh Samui has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Khao Lak has a few options to choose from. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for its resorts. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Koh Samui is a world class resort vacation destination. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

There are plenty of resorts in Khao Lak to choose from. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's excellent scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Koh Samui and Khao Lak.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Koh Samui. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Khao Lak. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Koh Samui and Khao Lak are terrific choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Samui. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

With world-famous beaches, Khao Lak is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Samui. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Samui and Khao Lak both offer plenty of notable spots.

Koh Samui has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

Khao Lak is a great destination for shopping. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Khao Lak.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Samui. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly place to visit. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is an amazing area to visit for couples. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for romance.

Khao Lak makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Koh Samui is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Khao Lak are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Koh Samui. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Samui and Khao Lak both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Koh Samui offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Khao Lak has a few public transit options. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

Is Koh Samui or Khao Lak a more walkable city?

Koh Samui and Khao Lak are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Koh Samui is generally not a very walkable resort island. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

Khao Lak is generally not very walkable. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? and Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Khao Lak or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

Both Koh Samui and Khao Lak have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Koh Samui has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Koh Samui than Khao Lak. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 5-7 days is enough time in Khao Lak.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Khao Lak. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Samui, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Koh Samui. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui than Khao Lak if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Koh Samui.

One day in Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

The beautiful resort island of Koh Samui offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the area of Khao Lak. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

Koh Samui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Khao Lak. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

Koh Samui is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Samui, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the idyllic area of Khao Lak. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this area makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer.

A week in Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Samui has to offer. This resort island offers something for everyone.

Khao Lak is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Khao Lak, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Khao Lak, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak than you might in Koh Samui.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Khao Lak Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Khao Lak, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Khao Lak?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Lak in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Khao Lak. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Khao Lak. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Khao Lak. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Lak in the Autumn?

Both Khao Lak and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December. The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Lak in the Winter?

Both Khao Lak and Koh Samui during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.

December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Khao Lak. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Samui is cooler than Khao Lak in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Khao Lak in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Khao Lak. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Koh Samui is cooler than Khao Lak. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Typical Weather for Khao Lak and Koh Samui