A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Phuket vs. Koh Samui for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Food

Should you visit Phuket or Koh Samui?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Koh Samui, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a lush, laid back, and beautiful resort island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Phuket and Koh Samui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Koh Samui?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Samui. Although Phuket and Koh Samui are both popular with visitors, Koh Samui has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Phuket is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Koh Samui is popular for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to The Big Buddha Temple.

How is Phuket different from Koh Samui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Phuket is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Is Phuket or Koh Samui Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Phuket or Koh Samui has a better nightlife scene.

Phuket has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

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.

Is Phuket or Koh Samui Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, fantastic resorts can be found in both Phuket and Koh Samui.

Phuket offers an unforgettable resort vacation. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

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.

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

You'll find very good snorkeling or scuba diving in both Phuket and Koh Samui.

Many visitors go to Phuket to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Koh Samui is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Is Phuket or Koh Samui Better for Beaches?

Both Phuket and Koh Samui have fantastic beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Phuket are among the best in the world. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Koh Samui is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Is Phuket or Koh Samui Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Phuket 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.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Koh Samui?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Koh Samui and Phuket.

Phuket offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

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.

Is Phuket or Koh Samui Better for Families?

Koh Samui is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Samui is a very kid-friendly resort island. 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.

Phuket offers lots of family activities. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

Is Phuket or Koh Samui Better for Couples?

Phuket and Koh Samui are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Phuket frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Koh Samui is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Phuket or Koh Samui Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Samui is a great destination for backpackers. However, Phuket is a resort island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Samui is a great resort island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Phuket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. Many backpackers complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Phuket and Koh Samui.

You'll find some public transit in Phuket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

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.

Is Phuket or Koh Samui a more walkable city?

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

Phuket is a somewhat walkable resort island. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

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 Phuket Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Samui or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Koh Samui?

Both Phuket and Koh Samui have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Koh Samui has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Koh Samui than Phuket. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Phuket. 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 Phuket. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Samui 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 Phuket 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 Phuket or Koh Samui?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Samui. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Phuket or Koh Samui?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the activity-filled destination of Phuket. 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 resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Koh Samui is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Phuket or Koh Samui?

You'll find nightlife and food around the party-hard resort island of Phuket. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Koh Samui?

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Koh Samui. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Koh Samui, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Koh Samui Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Koh Samui?

Phuket has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Koh Samui, 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 Phuket or Koh Samui?

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 Phuket or Koh Samui in the Summer?

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

Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Koh Samui. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Should I visit Phuket or Koh Samui in the Autumn?

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

December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Koh Samui. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Should I visit Phuket or Koh Samui in the Winter?

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

Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Koh Samui. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Phuket is a little warmer than Koh Samui in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Phuket or Koh Samui in the Spring?

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

The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Koh Samui. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Phuket