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

Should you visit Koh Samui or Koh Chang?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Chang? 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 lush, laid back, and beautiful resort island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Koh Samui and Koh Chang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Koh Chang?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Koh Chang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Koh Chang is more popular for its museums. Koh Samui is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Koh Samui different from Koh Chang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang?

Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Koh Samui. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Chang Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui is very popular for nightlife. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Koh Samui is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Koh Chang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Chang Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Koh Samui offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

In Koh Chang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Chang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Koh Chang has a few snorkeling spots. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Chang Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Koh Samui and Koh Chang are fantastic 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, Koh Chang is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Chang Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Koh Chang?

Koh Samui is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Koh Samui. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Chang Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Koh Samui or Koh Chang.

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.

Koh Chang is a very family-friendly place to visit. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Chang Better for Couples?

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

Koh Chang makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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 Koh Chang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Koh Chang are very good 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 Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

Koh Samui and Koh Chang 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.

Koh Chang has a few public transit options. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Chang a more walkable city?

Koh Samui and Koh Chang 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.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Chang or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Koh Chang?

In either Koh Samui or Koh Chang, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Samui than Koh Chang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Samui, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Chang.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui than Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort island of Koh Samui. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Koh Chang. 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 Koh Chang?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Koh Samui. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and nightlife around the tranquil destination of Koh Chang. 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 island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Koh Chang?

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical resort island of Koh Samui. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic island of Koh Chang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island 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 island has to offer.

A week in Koh Samui or Koh Chang?

Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Koh Chang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. 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 comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Koh Chang, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Koh Chang Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Koh Chang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Chang in the Summer?

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

Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Chang in the Autumn?

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

Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in October than Koh Chang. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Chang in the Winter?

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

The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February. In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Koh Chang. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Koh Samui is cooler than Koh Chang in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Chang in the Spring?

Both Koh Chang and Koh Samui during the spring 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 Koh Chang year-round.

June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Koh Chang. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Koh Samui is cooler than Koh Chang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Chang and Koh Samui