A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Samui vs. Koh Pha Ngan for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 rainforest-covered, lush, and laid back 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.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a backpacker-friendly, tropical, and party-oriented party island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Full Moon Parties
Things to Consider
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan than Koh Samui, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Pha Ngan is better known for its museums, while Koh Samui is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and impressive beauty. Koh Samui is well known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Koh Pha Ngan is well known for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is famous for the Full Moon Parties.

How is Koh Samui different from Koh Pha Ngan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Koh Pha Ngan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors come of the natural beauty, outdoor sports, and hardcore parties more than the sights and museums. Kuan Yin Temple is worth visiting, as is Wat Pho and Wat Phu Khao Noi.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Samui is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Pha Ngan 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.

Koh Pha Ngan has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There is frequent turnover in the restaurant scene around town, but there are a few mainstay restaurants that offer consistent and reliable Thai or international cuisine. In general, the food is fresh and the typical Thai favorites are available most places. Also make sure you check out the Thong Sala Night Market, which offers unique snacks and local dishes.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find world-class options in both Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan.

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.

Koh Pha Ngan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Resorts?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Samui is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Samui is a perfect choice. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Koh Pha Ngan makes a nice vacation spot. Much of the island caters to the backpacker crowd, but there are some luxury resorts to choose from as well. Many resorts take advantage of the beautiful nature on the island or intentionally prioritize a serene environment where you can relax by the pool.


Is Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Samui is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Koh Pha Ngan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The island has its share of dive shops and a nice underwater setting where you can see coral and a variety of marine life. The island doesn't draw the huge diving crowds like some of the other islands, but that isn't always a bad thing.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan are world-class 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 Pha Ngan is a very popular vacation destination. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

If you're looking to go hiking, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan both have great trails.

Many visitors go to Koh Samui for the hiking trails. 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.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular spot for hiking. In its interior, the island has beautiful jungle and impressive hikes. Some of the best hikes are found in Than Sadet National Park, but come prepared because they can often be challenging. They usually end with a breathtaking viewpoint, secluded beach, or stunning waterfall though.


Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Samui is very good for shopping. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Koh Samui is a great destination for shopping. 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 Pha Ngan has some nice offerings. Although shopping isn't particularly popular on the island, it does offer a unique opportunity to support individual shop owners as there are more independently owned vendors on this island than in many other areas. Head to the markets and you'll find the most independent shops to support.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Families?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Samui is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Koh Pha Ngan is not always the best place to visit. Most people think of Full Moon Parties and backpacker crowds when they think of this island. There are actually some quieter areas on the eastern and northern sides of the island that are good for families. The activities are best suited for older kids and include hiking, windsurfing, yoga, and shopping.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Couples?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Samui is well known for romance. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Koh Samui frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Koh Pha Ngan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy partying, yoga retreats, and outdoor exploration will find something for them on this island. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as nice beaches and, of course, the wild parties.


Is Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is an amazing party island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Pha Ngan, as it is a very popular party island for budget travelers. This island is synonymous with backpacker vibes and full moon parties. Head to the southern side of the island around Haad Rin and Ban Tai for the highest concentration of backpacker crowds. Like much of Thailand, there is frequent turnover in hostel ownership, so most reviews that you read online will be out of date. It's best to talk to people on the road to get the most up-to-date perspective.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

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

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Samui is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Pha Ngan is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Koh Samui, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Pha Ngan. Your best bet for getting around the island without a private vehicle is Songthaew taxi, longtail boats, and rental mopeds.

Is Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan a more walkable city?

Koh Samui
Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.

Koh Pha Ngan is a somewhat walkable party island. It's possible, and even enjoyable, to walk from place to place around the island but allow yourself a lot of time and bring water because temperatures can be very warm.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?

In either Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Samui than Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Koh Pha Ngan. 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 Pha Ngan. 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 Pha Ngan than Koh Samui 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 Pha Ngan.


  • How many days in Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koh Samui 3-7 
    Koh Pha Ngan 3-5

One day in Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this lush resort island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party island of Koh Pha Ngan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Pha Ngan?

Koh Samui is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the backpacker-friendly destination of Koh Pha Ngan. 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 party island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?

In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this tropical destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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


A week in Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Samui is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Koh Pha Ngan is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Samui?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $56, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $46. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samui $24
    Koh Pha Ngan $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samui $48
    Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Koh Samui


Hotels in Koh Pha Ngan


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samui $17
    Koh Pha Ngan $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:


  • Scooter Rental
    $2.07
  • Gas for Scooter
    $1.10
  • Airport Taxi
    $12
  • Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach
    $12
  • Minibus- Airport to Chaweng
    $3.31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui

Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $23
  • ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $112
  • Flyboard 15 minutes in Koh Samui beach + Roundtrip Transfer: $81
  • Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $72
  • Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
  • Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $26
  • Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
  • Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $48
  • Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
  • Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $83
  • Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $24

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $8.27
  • Ferry Ride
    $14
  • Gas for Scooter
    $3.03

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Koh Samui $20
    Koh Pha Ngan $10
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui

For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $44
  • Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $52
  • Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise by RED BARON: $61
  • Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $69
  • Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $71
  • Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $71
  • Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $73
  • Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $73
  • Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $73
  • Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $79
  • Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $80
  • Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $90

Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:


  • Noodle Lunch (for One)
    $1.10
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $11
  • Smoothies (for Two)
    $1.10
  • Ice Cream
    $0.55
  • Juice
    $1.65
  • 3 Spring Rolls
    $0.83
  • 2 Pancakes
    $1.65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samui $11
    Koh Pha Ngan $17

Tours and Activities in Koh Samui

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.

  • Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $22
  • Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $24
  • 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $24
  • Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $25
  • Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $27
  • Round-the-Island Sightseeing Tour: $29
  • Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise by HIGHSEA TOUR: $29
  • Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
  • Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $31
  • Original Discovery Tour: $31
  • Travstore Original Samui Discovery-Shared Half Day City Tour: $32
  • Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samui $4.68
    Koh Pha Ngan $9.99

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)
    $7.17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui than you might in Koh Pha Ngan.

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 Pha Ngan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan?

Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

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 Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samui 24°C (76°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

Both Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Pha Ngan. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samui 24°C (75°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. December to March is the dry season in Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Samui usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samui 22°C (72°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

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

In April, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (76°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samui 24°C (76°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui

Koh Samui Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)