The most popular resorts in Thailand are Phuket, Pattaya or Samui. Where is the best place to relax? It all depends on what the tourist expects from a vacation in Thailand. There is an opinion that Samui is the same Phuket, but ten years ago. In fact, the islands are very different, including in the lifestyle of the local population, which creates its own unique atmosphere in each of these places.
Where is it easier to get to?
Samui or Phuket: which is better for a Russian tourist? Just as the theater begins with a hanger, so almost any trip (at least as exotic and distant as a trip to Thailand) begins with a plane. There are direct flights from Russia to the island of Phuket, and the flight time is about nine hours. The cost of tickets is quite high - the minimum flight will cost 30 thousand rubles, the average price is just over 40 thousand.
There is also an airport on Samui, but it is very small and does not accept international flights. You could even say that this is to some extent a private air port, since it belongs to the Thai airline Bangkok Airways, which also greatly inflates the cost of tickets. In 2012, information appeared that it was planned to build a new airport 14 km from the old one. The new port will also accept international flights.
But the issue of building an airport on Samui is not so simple. After these rumors, local newspapers published an appeal from the city mayor, who said that there was no free and suitable place to build an air port, and the lion’s share of the budget would have to be spent on leveling the hills. What will come of this is still unknown.
If the question is resolved positively regarding Phuket or Samui: where will the transport infrastructure be better? In this case, the second island will become more convenient, since the road to the main beaches from the airport will take only 15-20 minutes. But to get from Phuket airport to Patong, Kata or Karon (the main beaches), you need to spend about 45 minutes.
Coastal Features
Which is better for beaches and sea - Koh Samui or Phuket? Reviews from tourists who have repeatedly visited Thailand confirm that the sea there is clean even on crowded beaches. However, in Phuket during the rainy season (which is from May to October) there are often very high waves, so swimming may be unsafe. Of course, he is a really good swimmer and can splash around in the water near the shore, but it’s definitely not worth relaxing here with children during this period. In 2005, a devastating tsunami occurred in Phuket, after which new equipment was installed that warns in advance of the impending disaster. But a rough sea during the rainy season plays into the hands of surfers.
There are almost no high waves on Samui, but there is another problem. From May to October there are frequent low tides. The water moves hundreds of meters away from the shore, and the sea itself becomes very shallow. This is convenient for families with children, but adults often don’t like to go to the sea and finally swim up to their necks in water. There are no problems with this in Phuket.
Beaches of Samui and Phuket
Which is better: secluded or crowded beaches? Each vacationer will give his own answer. Families with small children often choose uncrowded but well-equipped beaches, while young people or active tourists look for “party” places. Even on the most popular beaches of Samui there are rarely many people; there are more secluded places. But they often say about Phuket that it can be dirty there. But partygoers on the island have plenty of places to have fun: active nightlife and developed tourist infrastructure are the perfect conditions for an interesting holiday.
So which is better - Koh Samui or Phuket? According to reviews from travelers, both islands have all the conditions for relaxation. Young people and active tourists are better off choosing Phuket, where active life rages day and night, but the relatively quiet Samui is more suitable for a family vacation.
Comparison by hotel
Koh Samui or Phuket: which is better? The comparison will be incomplete without a description of hotels and inns. So, on the second island there are practically no places to stay on the first line, since there is a busy road between the sea and the hotels. Even relatively quiet beaches with hotels are separated by asphalt, although cars or motorcycles practically do not drive on it. The only place where you can find a bungalow in Phuket is right on the coast of the Andaman Sea, which belongs to the Indian Ocean. These are the beaches in the northwest, namely Saikeo and Nai Yang.
On Koh Samui it's the other way around. There is also a ring road on the island, but it does not pass near the coast. There are hotels and inns right on the beaches, and behind them there is a highway. This is an important advantage of the island, since many tourists coming to Thailand prefer to live in bungalows on the coast. By the way, on Samui, detached houses predominate, but in Phuket there are more hotels with several floors.
Which is better (Phuket or Koh Samui) in terms of cost of living? If we talk about prices, then in Phuket in general it is a little more expensive, but if you try hard, you can find budget accommodation. If you rent for a month (or generally for a long period), you can rent a house on both islands for 5-6 thousand baht, which is 9.0-10.5 thousand rubles.
Climate and ecology
If everything is not so clear with the beaches and the sea, then with the climate issue it is more or less clear. So, which is better: Phuket or Koh Samui? The choice, rather, lies with the second island. In Phuket, the rainy season is more pronounced; all summer the sun can be hidden behind the clouds, and it can rain every day or every other day, plus there are huge waves on the sea. On Samui, during this “turbulent” time, the weather is much better. The amount of precipitation is much less; in principle, it rains only in October-November. So Samui is a good place to relax during the wet season.
In terms of ecology, Samui also wins, because there are fewer cars and motorcycles on the island, and there is only one main (that is, the busiest) road. The central part is occupied by real jungle, and the coastal zone is made up of small villages with low-rise (up to three floors) buildings. There is more transport in Phuket, but less forests. All resort places are pieces of familiar megacities with high-rise buildings and even (in some places) skyscrapers.
Shopping and entertainment
Where is it better to go to Phuket or Samui for those who go to Asia for shopping? Here the answer is obvious and unambiguous - of course, Phuket. There are large shopping centers here, where you can buy absolutely everything: equipment, clothes, souvenirs, jewelry, and so on. There are practically no shopping centers on calm Samui, and the choice of goods is worse. If shopping is the main purpose of a trip to Thailand, then it is better to stay in Bangkok or Pattaya - these cities have the lowest prices.
In terms of variety of entertainment, Phuket also has no equal. All the active life of the island is concentrated on Bangla Road. There are a dozen nightclubs, a huge variety of bars, restaurants, shows, and also a lot of interesting things for single men. So partygoers and nightlife lovers, when answering the question: “Where is it better to relax: Phuket or Koh Samui?” - they will definitely choose the first option.
Entertainment on Samui can only be found near Chaweng or Lamai beach (to a lesser extent). Here, of course, life is not in full swing, but there are several bars and discos. Everything changes when the night of the Full Moon arrives on the neighboring island of Koh Phangan. Phuket never dreamed of anything like this! Young people (and others) from all over the world flock to large-scale parties. The whole “party” is concentrated on Haad Rin - the beach closest to Samui.
Excursion program
But what to choose for those who want not only to relax, but also to gain new knowledge, see the sights, and are interested in history and culture? Koh Samui or Phuket? Which is better? The features are:
- Phuket. Definitely better regarding the excursion program. There are several temples on the island itself; you can also visit neighboring Phi Pzi, Yao, Racha Island, Krabi, Khao Lak and other diving tours popular among tourists to the Surin or Similan Islands. Getting to them is very easy - there is a bridge that connects Phuket with the mainland.
- Samui. It is located only an hour and a half from the mainland, but there is nothing particularly interesting in this part of the country. There are few attractions on the island itself; many vacationers go on excursions to Koh Tao and Phangan.
Cost of holiday
Regarding the cost of the tour, everything is not entirely clear in Phuket or Koh Samui. Where is the best place to relax? Reviews confirm that Phuket is an expensive city (even the most expensive in Thailand for a holiday). But this only applies to the cost of accommodation and taxis. Everything else is not that expensive: food, massage, motorbike rental, and so on. By the way, buy a kilo chicken legs on the island you can do it for only 60 baht (about 100 rubles), and big fish- for 17 baht (30 rubles).
From almost all beaches there is public transport to the capital of the island - Phuket Town. There you can get acquainted with Chinese-Portuguese architecture and even climb to the observation deck, visit the unusual night market and the largest shopping center in Phuket - “Central Festival”. Housing - you can find inexpensive offers for 4-5 thousand baht (7.5-9.0 thousand rubles) per month. Of course, these will not be apartments near the sea.
To relax on Samui, you need about 14.5-23.0 thousand rubles for two people for ten days - this does not include the cost of travel. During the hot season, the trip will, of course, cost much more.
Long stay
Which is better: Phuket or Samui - if you are planning a long stay (more than one month)? Here it must be said that those who cannot be far from civilization, love entertainment and prefer a well-developed infrastructure, should choose Phuket. In general, you can stay there for the rest of your life. But Samui is more suitable for meditation and a quiet life.
Pros and cons of Koh Samui
Koh Samui has more untouched nature and greenery, there are many hotels on the first line, that is, just on the seashore, prices are a little lower, and the climate is milder. You can relax here in comfort even during the rainy season. Of the minuses: there are no direct flights from Russia, so getting to the island will have to be a transfer in Phuket or Bangkok, there are fewer opportunities for shopping and excursions. Samui is very clean, because the beaches are cleaned every morning, warm sea, smiling and friendly locals, very tasty food (including wonderful European cuisine). Many places here are aimed specifically at vacationers with small children.
Pros and cons of Phuket
Phuket has better infrastructure: there are many bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, and shopping centers. In general, life on the island is very rich and vibrant. It is easier to get here from Russia, there are many excursions and entertainment, and good shopping opportunities. The climate is just not the best: from May to October there is a rainy season, high waves, but the nature is very beautiful. The ecology in Phuket is, in general, a little worse than in Samui. Prices are higher, there are practically no hotels on the first line. There are many tourists on the island, including Russian-speaking ones, but it’s hard to find them on the beaches free space, sex tourism is developed (for some this is a minus, for others it is a plus, so everything is individual), there are no palm trees at all.
Let's sum it up
So, Phuket or Koh Samui? Which is better in February or August? During the rainy season, you should definitely choose Samui (unless you are a surfer), but the rest of the time Phuket is more suitable for active recreation. Young people, companies, active tourists, and single men in search of exotic adventures will like it there. Families with small children, retirees and simply those who prefer peace and tranquility will enjoy Samui more.
In general, it is better to visit both Koh Samui and Phuket. This is the only way to accurately determine which is better. After all, everyone has their own requirements for an ideal vacation, and, possibly, for a place of permanent residence. And really, what prevents you from staying in Thailand for a long time? This is exactly what many Russians who have passive income or work remotely do. Thailand is always warm, cozy and comfortable.
Flight time:
from Moscow - from 11 hours (1-4 transfers)
from St. Petersburg - from 14 hours 35 minutes. (2-3 transfers)
from Kazan - from 15 hours 5 minutes. (2-3 transfers)
from Yekaterinburg - from 15 hours 40 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 5 minutes. (1-3 transfers)
Current time in Bo Phut:
(UTC +7)
The island has gained fame as perhaps the best place to relax with children. The northern coast guarantees a quiet time and soulful family vacation. Night entertainment establishments are present here in small quantities. Most hotels are aimed at small guests, so everyone considers it their duty to equip a children's playground with a swimming pool on site. Decent hotels must have an animator on staff.
Search for tours on Koh Samui
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Koh Samui depending on where you start from. Most people travel to the island from Bangkok and Surat Thani (by plane or by bus and ferry). Fares vary from fairly expensive flights to inexpensive ferries between Surat Thani and Koh Samui.
Airplane
The best and most convenient option is a direct flight to Koh Samui. The island’s airport is very unusual, there are no usual premises, so immediately upon arrival it becomes clear that you are on a paradise island. A significant disadvantage of such a flight is the price. The airport belongs to the private Bangkok Airlines company, because of this a certain tariff has been formed, and monopolization does not allow cheaper air carriers to enter this airport. There are a few other airlines that land at the airport, but the price isn't much different. Representatives of low-cost budget airlines simply do not have an agreement to operate flights to this island. For comparison, let’s take the cost of one plane ticket from the capital of Thailand to Koh Samui, and for the same price, but by sea, a family of several people can get to the island. This is, of course, economical, but it is clearly different from a flight lasting one hour and crossing by sea with less comfort.
There is a cheaper flight option. Nearest large city on the mainland to Koh Samui - Surat Thani. It is located close enough to the island that it can be reached from Bangkok by budget airlines. It will be cheaper, more convenient and faster. A plane ticket is slightly more expensive than a train ticket, but the time savings are enormous. You can also purchase a complex ticket; this option may even be a little cheaper than purchasing each ticket separately. The package will include: a plane ticket, a bus ticket to the port and a ferry ride to the island itself. As usual, in such cases there will be a separate charge for luggage.
Ferry
The crossing from Surat Thani to the treasured Samui does not pose any particular difficulties. Right upon arrival at the airport, you purchase a ticket for bus and ferry transportation at the appropriate ticket office. Take a bus to Donsak pier. The ferry departure schedule is once an hour, so you won’t have to wait long for the departure. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and you can spend this time both on the open deck and on the closed one with air conditioning, depending on who you prefer.
If an hour and a half is a waste of time for you, then there is another option, but we warn you right away that it is not suitable for everyone. Catamarans, which reach Samui in about half an hour, compete with ferries and therefore depart from another pier - Chumphon. The disadvantage of this trip option is that even with a slight rough sea, the catamaran begins to roll so much that seasickness does not keep itself waiting. Because of this, passengers are given a free hygiene bag before departure.
Bus
From Bangkok you can take a bus directly to the ferry. The journey time is almost 10 hours, so it is worth taking first class tickets to make the trip more comfortable. Getting there by bus will be a little faster than by train, but if you compare the comfort conditions, the bus is inferior to rail transportation.
The Lompraya company gives you the opportunity to purchase a bus ticket along with a high-speed ferry crossing. For about 1500 baht you get a transfer to Chumphon and a transfer to Samui for total time just over 14 hours.
Train
Due to inaccurate timetables and local train operations, travel from the capital to Surat Thani can take up to 13 hours. But since the great comfort in the carriages of Thailand is conducive to relaxation after a long flight, many travelers choose this particular travel option. The carriages have air conditioning and comfortable sleeping places. From the station to the pier it’s just a short ride on a special shuttle, and then you move by ferry. Traveling by train is several hundred baht cheaper than traveling by plane.
Auto
For those who like to drive, the ideal option would be to rent a car at Bangkok airport. There are quite a lot of rental companies there, but it is recommended to select and book a car in advance. If you book a couple of months in advance, the price is significantly lower. The road from Bangkok to Surat Thani is excellent; travel time is a maximum of ten hours, including stops for snacks. Transporting a car by ferry will not be that expensive, up to 500 baht. The only difficulty is driving on the left. If you doubt that you will be able to navigate the road, then you should not choose this option.
Climate and weather on Koh Samui
Samui has a hot climate. The average temperature throughout the year is + 30°C.
There are two seasons on Koh Samui - dry and wet.
The dry season is accompanied by clear, warm, even hot weather; it rarely rains. The season lasts from January to February.
The rainy season begins in November and lasts until December. The rainy season on Koh Samui does not mean that there is tropical rain all the time, it just means that there are fewer sunny days at this time.
From March to June it is very hot, only short torrential rains help. The most best time for a trip to the island - this is the period from December to April.
Weather on Koh Samui by month
According to the Yandex.Weather service
| Daytime temperature, °C | Temperature at night, °C | Water temperature, °C | Precipitation amount, mm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather on Koh Samui in January | 32 | 20 | 26 | 30 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in February | 33 | 23 | 27 | 0 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in March | 34 | 24 | 27 | 10 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in April | 35 | 26 | 28 | 60 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in May | 34 | 25 | 28 | 180 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in June | 33 | 25 | 28 | 110 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in July | 32 | 25 | 28 | 140 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in August | 32 | 24 | 28 | 120 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in September | 32 | 24 | 28 | 200 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in October | 31 | 24 | 27 | 250 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in November | 31 | 23 | 27 | 300 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in December | 31 | 20 | 27 | 90 |
Weather on Koh Samui for 10 and 14 days
Tourist reviews of Koh Samui by month
| January 12 February 6 March 8 | April 5 May 4 | July 7 August 10 September 2 | October 2 December 2 |
Photos of Koh Samui
Transport
Songthaew
Public transport on Samui is represented by the so-called songthaew, although it is better known to everyone as a tuk-tuk. If we draw an analogy, this is something like our minibus taxis, although the comparison is not the most accurate. To make it clearer, imagine an old Japanese pickup truck. Several benches are fixed in its small body, and a canopy practically flutters in the wind above the heads of passengers, which serves as protection from the rain. During the busiest periods, the tailgate folds down to provide space for additional passengers.
Despite the creepy description and extremely unpresentable appearance, there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Transport is very reliable and quite safe to travel. And also the cheapest. Songthaews ply along the coast around the entire island quite regularly, and Nathon is considered the ring point. But it is impossible to travel around the entire island in one and the same tuk-tuk. There are three tuk-tuk routes in total; they periodically change from one to another.
Advice for beginners: do not ask the price when getting on the transport. So they will immediately understand that you are an inexperienced tourist and they can charge such a price that it is indecent to even say. Within one beach, a trip will cost 20 baht. From one beach to another - 60 baht.
The fact is that the fixed price is valid for transportation from morning to 6 pm. And then songthaew drivers turn into taxi drivers. So, how much a trip in the evening and at night will cost will depend on your bargaining ability and the degree of greed of the driver. It will not be possible to prove that during the day the price is completely different. The Thai authorities officially allow drivers to earn extra money this way at night.
Taxi
Taxis on Samui are called TAXI METER. The taxi fleet consists mainly of Korean and Japanese yellow-red cars. However, they do not have a counter, but average cost the trip is 200-300 baht. At the same time, you can bargain with the driver.
Rental on Koh Samui
The first place where you can rent a car is the airport. Representatives of many international companies work there. But if you don’t want to leave it on deposit a large sum, then it is quite possible to use the services of local companies. Such offices have fewer requirements and it is possible to pay in cash, and if you are going to stay on Samui for a month or more, then rent from local small rental companies will also be much cheaper than from recognized international representatives. Renting a decent car starts from 1,500 baht per day. The price of gasoline is slightly more expensive than on the mainland, but the lack paid parking, there are only a few of them on the island, compensates for this fact.
The most popular thing on Koh Samui is to rent a scooter or bike. This is much more economical; a scooter will cost from a couple of hundred baht per day. Most hotels offer rentals to their residents, and there are many places around the island where you can temporarily get a two-wheeled friend. You can rent a bike for a month, and it will cost about 3 thousand, maybe a little more. But you can always bargain.
Renting a bike is difficult, but few people want to. The island's humidity, heat and elevation changes will not appeal to even the biggest European cycling enthusiasts. If you really want, you can rent bicycles in Lamai and Chaweng; there are several bike rental points there. The cost will be less than renting a scooter.
Transfers from Koh Samui
Koh Samui city → Samui AirportShow transfers to Koh Samui
| Micro. |
RUB 3,151 | |
| Economy |
RUB 3,017 | |
| Comfort. |
RUB 3,821 | |
| Minivan, 4 seats. |
RUB 3,419 | |
| Minibus, 7 seats. |
RUB 3,553 | |
| Minibus 10pax |
RUB 4,358 |
| Micro. Inexpensive transfer for a couple or family with a child. VW Polo, Opel Corsa, Renault Clio, Skoda Fabia, etc. |
RUB 3,151 | |
| Economy An economical option for a company of up to 3-4 people. VW Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Audi A3, BMW 3, etc. |
RUB 3,017 | |
| Comfort. For long-distance travel in comfort. VW Passat, Toyota Camry, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Suburban, etc. |
RUB 3,821 | |
| Minivan, 4 seats. A compromise between space and comfort. VW Touran, Ford Galaxy, Opel Zefira, Peugeot 807, etc. |
RUB 3,419 | |
| Minibus, 7 seats. For a group of 4-7 people or large luggage. VW Multivan, Toyota Hiace, Opel Vivaro, Hyundai H-1, etc. |
RUB 3,553 | |
| Minibus 10pax A universal option for a group of up to 10 people. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Toyota Coaster, etc. |
RUB 4,358 |
Districts
Koh Samui was a district of Surat Thani province until 2008. In June 2008, Samui gained independence. The island is divided into 7 districts (tambon). The island's territory includes the Ang Thong archipelago and some other small islands nearby.
The east of the island is the most popular. There is a developed infrastructure, a lot of hotels of all price categories, entertainment nightlife and many options for cafes and restaurants. The nightlife is correspondingly vibrant.
The north of the island is traditionally family territory. Rental prices are slightly lower than on the east coast. The beaches are great for families with children, and the shade from the vegetation that grows close to the beaches makes it possible not to overheat in the sun.
Between the north and east of the island rises a huge statue of Buddha, which is the main attraction of these places.
The administrative center is Nathon in the west of the island. Here are all the main points necessary for a tourist: bus station, main pier islands, a huge market with a variety of local food and delicacies. Amazing on the West Coast beautiful sunsets, but swimming in the summer when the tides are low is difficult.
The south is considered a wild place for local residents. There really is nothing of civilized infrastructure here. But this is for the better, because nature here remains in all its natural beauty. Here you can rent a house quite inexpensively, there are wild beaches, so this is often the place chosen by those tourists who choose to live in Thailand for several winter months. Solitude and the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in nature attracted Buddhist monks at one time. On the southern coast is the Laem Sor Temple Pagoda.
What to see
To study the local fauna, you can go to the aquarium and admire the fantastic collection of fish, and watch wild cats at the tiger zoo. Popular excursions are to the “turtle island”, crocodile, snake, coconut, pearl farms, Buddha’s Secret Garden, islands Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Fun rides at the Coco Splash water park are suitable not only for children, but also for adults, just in case you are a little tired of the warm sea and the gentle sun. There are many more entertainment complexes, for example, Paradise Park, where you can see animals in their natural habitat.
Main attractions of Koh Samui
- Samui Temples(about 30 temples of the island at the link)
Attractions
Where to eat and drink
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Transport
Private guides on Koh Samui
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Samui in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do
Nightlife on Koh Samui
For a full-fledged night of festivities, go to the two main resorts of the island - Lamai and Chaweng. The main street of Chaweng contains all the most famous establishments on the island from shops to bars. The majority of young people like to dance at the Green Mango disco, while slightly older tourists prefer to visit the Reggae Pub and the authentic Irish pub Tropical Murphy. You can while away a stuffy and hot evening at the Ice Bar, which is even larger in Koh Samui than in Pattaya.
The Lamai area cannot boast of such a number of bars, but it has the most interesting advantage - Muay Thai fights. The night battles here are real and relentless, not the kind that are shown at the Chaweng stadium for the entertainment of tourists. For those who are not interested in fighting, a stroll through the night market and sitting in bars with affordable prices for cocktails will do.
Diving on Koh Samui
Without a doubt, the south of Thailand is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear clean water and magnificent corals. And this is the main reason why the number of divers coming to Thailand has increased over the past ten years. And although the best time of year for scuba diving on Koh Samui is between June and August, you can still dive there almost all year round. The waters in Thailand are considered the safest in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling, making them ideal for beginners who want to try this activity for the first time.
The necessary equipment is available and there are many scuba diving schools, but most dives are done either in the nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park or Koh Tao, as visibility around Samui's sandy beaches is often poor. You can sign up for a day trip at diving schools, most of which are located in Chaweng. Boats with such tours most often depart from the pier at Bophut and Bang Rak.
Underwater visibility in some places around Samui is almost perfect (up to 10-30 meters). You can enjoy incredible views of seamounts, coral gardens, underwater rock formations, hard and soft corals and whale sharks. Here are a couple of dive sites:
- Samran Pinnacles: Since the current in this place is often very strong, this place is recommended for experienced divers. Due to this current, this place is a refuge for large marine life such as barracuda. There are three underwater rocks near Sail Rock.
- Ko Kra and Koh Losin: These two small islands are located in the southeast of Koh Samui, and due to their remoteness are not often visited by divers. Here you can see blacktip sharks, electric rays and rarely seen bonefish turtles.
Festivals and events on Koh Samui
Bullfight Festival
One of the most famous festivals Taking place on Koh Samui is the Bullfighting Festival, which is held on special occasions such as New Year and Songkran. Unlike Spanish bullfights, where bulls are killed while fighting a man armed with swords, the Koh Samui Bullfighting Festival is fairly harmless. The battle season varies due to some ancient customs and ceremonies. The bulls are beautifully decorated with ribbons and gilded leaves. Before the competition, which lasts no longer than two rounds, the monks sprinkle them with holy water
Festival in the Fisherman's Village
This five-day festival is celebrated with great joy, loud music and lots of food. The music is usually performed by famous artists, and the amount of food served (and the quality of it) is amazing. Many stalls from many local hotels sell a variety of inexpensive and delicious food from different countries
Beaches of Koh Samui
The best option for a beach holiday is to stay on the east coast. The beaches here are considered the best. The only disadvantage of the coast is drought, which can occur during low tide. But this phenomenon happens quite rarely.
Those traveling to Koh Samui for the first time should know that only the hotel in which they are staying will provide them with a free sun lounger. Unless you're renting a hotel room right on the seashore, be prepared to shell out money to rent a sun lounger on the beach. Or be content with a towel or beach mat.
For a long holiday, the best beaches are: Maenam, Lamai . It's quite calm there and has everything you need for life. The main flow of tourists chooses the northern and eastern coasts, because the combination of all factors (beaches, infrastructure) is ideal. There are large hypermarkets in the Chaweng and Lamai areas. To fully immerse yourself in nightlife and fun, choose the central part of Chaweng.
Beaches in the east of Koh Samui
Of the eastern beaches, the one that stands out is undoubtedly Chaweng, which is famous throughout the island. The sandy beach is soft thanks to fine sand, and the water is amazingly clear. It is very convenient to enter the water, the slope is quite easy. The length of the beach is about six kilometers. This whole strip is continuous scenic view, consisting of bays and beautiful scenery. There are absolutely no problems with accommodation on the beach; you can choose an elite hotel or a simple bungalow. During the day, fans of water sports concentrate on the beach, and at night, partygoers gather for incendiary parties and discos.
Another famous eastern beach is Lamai. It is located just south of Chaweng. The difference between these beaches is mainly in the sand. On Lamai it is larger and not as big white, like on Chaweng, there are rocky shores in places. Lamai has excellent waves, which determines the constant presence of surfers there. There are also spa salons in this area offering not only Thai massages and saunas, but also beauty treatments with mud masks and wraps.
The northeast of the island deserves special mention:
Beaches in the north of Koh Samui
The north of the island is quite colorful. The western part of the northern coast is Bophut. There is a special atmosphere there, because tourists manage to live with the locals as if they were good neighbors. A little further in a cozy bay is Maenam Beach, where the contrasting combination of rich villas with the nearby hippie settlement does not prevent people from having a good rest. If we talk about the beaches themselves, they are not as rich in entertainment and scenery as the eastern ones, and the sand is more yellow and not fine.
Beaches in the south and west of Koh Samui
In the south and west of the island there is an atmosphere of seclusion on the coasts. Although the ring road that encircles the island does not connect the beaches, getting here will not be a problem. Laem Set Beach is simply irresistible. This stunning beach is a must see for everyone, with its coconut trees arching intricately above sandy beach with its large smooth boulders. But the water is too shallow for swimming, although this does not prevent you from just having a good time there. Although Taling Ngam Beach looks deserted, it has its own romance for walking.
There is a large selection of cosmetics and souvenirs in Nathon. Don’t miss the opportunity to bargain with the sellers; they themselves are not against this business. And they are also very friendly, so shopping will take place in a pleasant atmosphere.
Food and drink
The island allows its guests to eat for every taste. It all depends on the desires and capabilities of the vacationers. Tourists can enjoy both expensive restaurants with European cuisine and small Thai eateries where they can eat local dishes very cheaply. You should definitely try local delicacies and spicy soups, for example with an unusual combination of shrimp and pork. It's all about the broth, which is boiled with the addition of coconut milk. For those who don’t like such combinations – rice dishes. In Khao Pat, rice comes with vegetable additives in a wide variety of combinations. As for soups, don’t miss the traditional Thai Tom Yum; its sour-spicy taste should be felt by every visitor. Well, where would an island be without seafood? There are especially many establishments on Bophut beach where you can taste oysters, crabs and more.
Thai cuisine is very spicy, few people can handle all the desired dishes. In the event that you need to “put out the fire” inside you, do not drink water, but rather ask for milk or lime. They contain substances that can neutralize the hotness of chili peppers. Although you can always say the magic “no spicy”.
If Thai cuisine has captivated you so much that when you arrive home you want to continue pampering yourself and your loved ones with traditional Thai dishes, then you can take a short cooking course. You can sign up for one on the east coast, but it will be very expensive.
Due to the fact that Russians are increasingly coming to the island for the winter, the traditions of local cuisine have undergone changes. On all major beaches you can find cafes that specialize exclusively in traditional Russian cuisine. Those who are tired of trying Thai spicy dishes can always dine on the usual borscht, dumplings, cabbage rolls, even such salads as “Herring under a fur coat” and “Mimosa”. There is also an Uzbek restaurant. So if you want kebabs, pilaf or manti, it won’t be difficult to find such establishments. Of course, there is also Italian cuisine on the island.
If you need yogurt, kefir or cottage cheese, you can easily find them in the island's supermarkets. This is an important point for tourists with children who cannot always accept local dishes. If your child gets sick, don't worry, travel insurance will ensure proper check-up and treatment at a good local hospital such as Bangkok Hospital.
Connection
Koh Samui is one of those islands where connectivity is hard to complain about compared to other islands in the region. Probably all hotels and inns already have their own Wi-Fi network, as well as in all public places. But, unfortunately, quantity does not guarantee quality. Wireless communication on Samui remains the main problem, because a very low speed of 10 Mbit/s for a person who is used to being always connected can seem like a disaster. It also happens that it is difficult to even connect to the network in a hotel due to the activity of all the guests. Plus, frequent breaks and unexpected breakdowns regularly deprive tourists of the Internet. Many have found a way out in using the mobile Internet.
In terms of 3G and 4G networks, the island is surprisingly well equipped, and the entire area is covered by high-speed access. Even on a wild beach in a remote location you will not be left without communication. There are three main mobile operators in Thailand, from which you can easily purchase a SIM card. One of the operators - DTAC - has taken care of Russian-speaking tourists, and on their official website you can make an order on the great and mighty.
Safety
Tap water is usually not suitable for drinking. Bottled drinks are sold almost everywhere, and you need to use them constantly. Be careful in restaurants. Many may use unsafe running water. Running water in many hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless there is a special sign stating its safety.
Motorcycles are quite dangerous, but jeeps, trucks and other vehicles are readily available, reasonably priced, and relatively safe. If you must use a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and never drive drunk as the roads are dangerous and rough. After a good night's partying in Chaweng, Bophut and Lamai, taxis are always ready to take you home. Be careful, taxi drivers usually cheat. It is not uncommon for tuk-tuk drivers to charge you 50 baht for a kilometer ride in the evening (for example, along the main market of Chaweng).
Recent expansion has seen the introduction of ATVs to navigate the roads. They do not need to be registered, so you need to be careful, as there is no insurance either.
Be careful on the beaches at night as there are crime incidents.
Need to know:
Forbidden:
- Don't rent a boat if it doesn't have life jackets.
- Don't go into the jungle alone
- Don't get involved with any drugs
- Do not go to the beach at night, either for walking or swimming
- Women should not sunbathe topless
- It is not advisable for men to go without pants or shorts anywhere except the beach
Where to stay on Koh Samui
You can choose housing on Samui based on your own needs and ability to pay. The island has long had various options, from luxury rooms in respectable hotels to very budget hotel options.
The most expensive hotels, as a rule, are located right on the shore and offer their guests their own beach and an additional range of services. The rooms there are all equipped with air conditioning and are very spacious, or even stand-alone villas on the territory of the hotel complex.
Three-star hotels are the best option and the most popular. Even if there are no spas in these places, and perhaps there won’t even be a swimming pool or a cafe, the quality of the accommodation itself is decent, and you can eat at the nearest restaurant; fortunately, on Samui it’s not as expensive as in Europe.
Description of areas and beaches of Koh Samui. Where is the best place to relax and live?
The island is like a big village, there are no cities here - the division into districts is along the beaches) There are almost no condominiums, one- and two-story houses, complete island relaxation.
At the same time, the island has almost everything you need for a comfortable life: large shopping centers, banks, hospitals, very atmospheric bars, cozy cafes and luxurious restaurants.
What is the best area to live in Koh Samui?
The choice of Samui area depends on whether you want privacy or, on the contrary, live in a busy place. And whether you plan to use a bike or a car.
If you don't drive a bike, it's better to choose more "residential" areas. In my opinion, the most optimal choice- Lamai. There are supermarkets, cafes, and the sea within walking distance. And some sights.
Other areas along the ring road are also suitable: Chaweng, Bo Put and Maenam.
And also, if you are interested in renting housing on Samui, you can contact the company Islandhouseforrent.
Description of Samui beaches
There are many beaches on Koh Samui, all of them are beautiful, but not all are suitable for swimming.
The most beautiful sunsets on Koh Samui can be seen in Nathon and Lipa Noi, in Bang Rak (starting from Big Buddha and east), and in Plai Laem. The most beautiful sunrises in Chaweng and Lamai.
Lipa Noi Beach
Lipa Noi is a beach in the west of Koh Samui, located just south of Nathon.
There are not many houses for long-term stays here, but there are beautiful villas and hotels.
For example, Nikki Beach. There is an excellent beach club where various parties are often held and films are shown. open air. And on a normal day, it’s very nice to lie on their sunbed in the shade with a cocktail in your hands.
Lipa Noi has the most beautiful sunsets.
But the infrastructure is not very good. There are several cafes, 7/11 Family Mart stores, but large supermarkets are quite far away.
You can swim on Lipa Noi only in winter; in the low season there are strong low tides and the sea goes far from the shore.
Nathon Beach
Nathon is located just north of Lipa Noi. This is the administrative center of the island and is more suitable for 1-2 nights than for a long stay.
There is no swimming beach here, except for a small patch.
In the off-season there are strong low tides.
But there are gorgeous sunsets, a bus station, a ferry crossing, a cheap market, banks and a public hospital.
Bang Po Beach
Bang Po is located in the northwest of Samui, above Nathon. This is a very quiet, secluded place.
There are quite a lot of houses that are rented both daily and for long periods. There are very few cafes and other amenities of civilization here, except for 7/11.
But you can live right by the sea!
In winter the sea is deep enough for swimming. There is some natural debris (things that fell from palm trees), but overall it is clean. In summer there are strong low tides.
Ban Tai Beach
Ban Tai is a favorite holiday and wintering place Russian families, especially with children) 
It's also a pretty quiet place. There are several massage parlors, a couple of cafes, 7/11. To get to everything else you need to go by bike, car or.
Ban Tai beach is very beautiful. Bauni with crooked palm trees, white sand and a gently sloping entrance to the water (but not so gentle that it’s a kilometer to walk to the water). 
Maenam Beach
Maenam is a popular area for both recreation and wintering. There are many rentals here, from bungalows right on the water to luxury condos in the mountains.
There are inexpensive hotels and the beach here is excellent.
I had the most fun swimming here. Moreover, both in winter and in summer. There were no strong waves like on Chaweng or low tides like on many other beaches.
A soulful beach, only pleasant memories.
Bo Phut Beach
Also a great place for relaxation and wintering. There is a lot of housing for rent here and quite good infrastructure.
Very close to large supermarkets. The sea is suitable for swimming regardless of the season, but sometimes there is mud at the bottom.
There are many cafes, both cheap and very expensive (especially in the Fisherman Village area).
On Fridays there is a walking street on Fisherman, and several times a week you can watch a fire show right on the shore. In principle, it’s nice to take a walk any evening.
Bang Rak (Big Buddha)
The Bang Rak area is unfairly ignored by many tourists. But in vain, it is very convenient - we lived there for six months, it was great)
Close to shops, close to the sea, a lot of things within walking distance. After Leva was born, I didn’t ride a bike for almost a month and was tied to the patch where we lived. So, almost everything you need is within walking distance.
The beach is cool, but there is no feeling of bounty due to the piers, numerous boats and longtails.
But the waves and tides are not scary; you could swim almost any day. 
And yet, there are excellent housing prices. And a cool swing on the beach.
Plai Laem Beach
The area on the other side of the Big Buddha statue.
The beach itself is small, there is not much housing for rent there, there are large and very beautiful hotels. But the place to live is so-so - the sea there is not very good for swimming, and in summer there are strong low tides. There is almost nothing in this area.
But there will definitely be beautiful sunsets here.
Choeng Mon Beach
Chong Mon is loved and adored by many winterers, especially those with children. 
But I didn’t like this beach: it’s too shallow, even in winter. The water heats up to the temperature of a warm bath, but swimming there is impossible - you have to sit, like in a bath)
There are fragments of coral at the bottom; it is better not to swim barefoot.
There are both tie-style houses and expensive villas on the seashore. Close to Chaweng (but not accessible on foot).
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the busiest place on Koh Samui. All the major stores are located here (Central Festival, Tesco Lotus, Big C and Makro), and you can walk to them if you wish.
A huge number of bars, discos, restaurants, shops, massage parlors. Night market, walking street on Saturdays. SIH and Bangkok Samui Hospital are also here.
Accordingly, there are plenty of accommodation offers - both budget options for backpackers and expensive hotels.
It's nice to walk along the sea right on the beach.
In winter, the beach is not very good for swimming: strong waves, currents (sometimes rip), and sometimes low tides.
But when there are no waves, the beach is gorgeous. Especially in the Chaweng Noi area.
Lamai Beach
Lamai is the second most popular beach with a fairly developed infrastructure. Located just south of Chaweng.
There are many cafes and restaurants here, including right on the seashore; fire shows are often held on the beach. There is a market, Tesco Lotus and Makro supermarkets.
Close to the main attractions of the island.
Many expats live here, including Russians) But not only that, there are also Italians, Germans, French, and Australians.
Houses for long-term residence are mostly located not on the shore, but within a 5-10 minute bike ride. If you have transport, you can climb higher into the mountains and enjoy the view every day!
There is coarse sand on the beach yellow, in winter there are strong waves and it is not always possible to swim. It was great in the spring.
Hua Thanon and other southern beaches
Hua Thanon and the rest of the beaches in the south of the island up to Lipa Noi can be combined into one group.
These are very quiet (sometimes even wild) places, suitable for people who really want to relax about society and the basic benefits of civilization)
There are quite a few houses for long-term stays here, and there are beautiful expensive hotels. It will take a long bike ride to get to large shops and cafes.
The sea is beautiful, but not suitable for swimming. It is always shallow here, and in the summer there are low tides.
There is a Muslim village in the Hua Thanon area where you can go there for fresh fish and seafood.
My conclusion
- If you don't want to travel around the island by bike, your best bet is Lamai. Everything is within walking distance - the sea and large shops. Close to attractions.
- If you want some action - go to Chaweng.
- It’s good with children in Ban Tai and Maenam. You can consider Choeng Mon.
- Maenam, Bo Put, Big Buddha (Bang Rak), Chaweng and Lamai are good for wintering.
- If you come at the height of the season, everything is busy or expensive - try looking in Bang Rak.
- For complete privacy, head south or Lipa Noi.
In general, everywhere on Koh Samui is good. Ciao!
Koh Samui For wintering or remote work, for me personally it’s just an ideal option - if we talk only about Thailand and compare it with Phuket, Pattaya or the North of Thailand. Serenity and relaxation reign here, but at the same time, if you find one, you can freelance quite actively (work remotely). Lately I've been coming to Samui to live for a couple of months, when I have a lot of work to do and I want to plunge into a calm and pleasant atmosphere and get everything done in one fell swoop.
Koh Samui is cozy, there can be no tsunami, there is a sea, a bike for rent and delicious food - what else do you need for life? There are noisy parties, shops, bars with nightlife, and there are truly quiet places and houses right on the seashore or in the jungle, where lovers of silence live and where I lived for some time.
On Koh Samui you can buy everything you need for life (or almost everything you can read that you can’t find on Koh Samui). There are three large supermarkets, markets, cafes and plenty everywhere. In general, in terms of civilization, everything is ok here, although the island is more of a large tropical village. And if your choice is in favor of Samui, then let’s puzzle you with one more choice - which area you’ll be from.
Large supermarkets where you can buy food and clothing are located on Chaweng and Lamai beaches. All night parties are there. Calm family life— Maenam, Bang Po. Somewhere between tranquility and society is Chong Mon. And privacy for a very long stay - the entire south of the island and Lipa Noi. Further - more details about each beach in Koh Samui.
(Samui map large size is at the end of the post)
Chaweng
Chaweng- the most party place on Koh Samui. At the same time, if you try, you can find a quiet house to live here, as well as a huge number of noisy hotels, spas, restaurants, markets, and shops. Chaweng is a place where life is in full swing - day and night. Nightlife centers: Green Mango, Ark Bar, Sound Club. Although these points are very approximate, written from the words of friends, because I myself understand secret places much better than those where so many people gather.
- On Chaweng there is the Samui International Hospital, which is not my favorite.
- My favorite places to live are also located here - Tesco with a food court that sells the best freshly squeezed juices and Starbucks next to Big C.
- When I live in the Big C area, everything I need for life is very close to me personally.
Chaweng has an excellent beach, about 7 km long. In bad weather there is a strong wave, and in the high season there are a huge number of people.
Lamai
Lamai— deep, sometimes rocky beaches. In bad weather, the waves here are very high and beautiful (I’m not comparing them to Bali; there is no surfing on Samui, but you can find windsurfing). There are a lot of hotels, bungalows, and restaurants on Lamai. This is the second most active party place.
- There are many Russians and other expats living in Lamai. There are a lot of houses for long-term stays both on the shore and in the jungle.
- There are many yogis and vegetarian restaurants in Lamai.
- During heavy rains and floods in this area, everything is not so bad and even probably better than in other areas. Although it was worse during the 2011 flood, the infrastructure here seems to be improving.
- For some reason, the weather in Lamai is better than in the northern part of the island. I noticed it personally, but many times it happened to me that I leave the north in a downpour that lasts for several hours, arrive at Lamai, and it’s dry there.
- Tesco in Lamai sells the most delicious (in my opinion) tom yum on Samui. And in general, the “gluttonous courtyard” is very good here :)
Lipa Noi Beach on Koh Samui
Lipa Noi- a beach in the west of the island. Located just north of Nathon. Here is the calmest sea and beautiful sunsets (the beach is in the west). Lipa Noi has few long-stay houses, hotels and expensive villas. A small number of restaurants and cafes, not a very active party life, the main supermarkets are far away - half an hour or more away by bike/car. In general, it is a calm beach, suitable for a short holiday on Koh Samui and for lovers of calm and shallow seas.
*In summer, the sea on Lipa Noi becomes very shallow, you may have to go to other beaches to swim.
Nathon Beach
Nathon- administrative center of Koh Samui. There is a pier, bus station, market, banks. About 15 years ago, you could only change currency or cash out here (now in any area). And about 40 years ago, children from all over Samui came here to school and lived at the school all week, going home on weekends, because at that time on Samui there was not only electricity, but also no transport except bicycles and boats.
Now Nathon has many cheap hotels, the cheapest clothing market and an inexpensive evening market for Thai food. This is a good place for those who came to Samui for a long time and did not book accommodation in advance. In this case, you can stay in an inexpensive hotel right next to the pier and explore the island on your own by renting a bike here on Nathon, a car, or traveling by motorcycle taxi or tuk-tuk. * Taxi on Koh Samui very expensive.
The beach on Nathon is mostly not for swimming, but rather for work, with the exception of a small piece of the beach (with wonderful white sand!) in the far left corner, if you are facing the sea.
In summer it is very shallow and there are often shallows of 50-100 meters.
In the evenings, fishing boats come to the Nathon piers and you can buy seafood “first-hand” - the freshest and most inexpensive. In the evening, on Nathon, right next to the pier, there is a market where you can try inexpensive and tasty Thai food.
Bang Po Beach
Bang Por District is located 10 minutes drive from Nathon, in the north-west of the island. This is one of the quietest areas, with many houses for long-term stays right on the seashore. The sea on Bang Po is shallow, but you can swim - it becomes deeper in winter, and very shallow in the summer months.
From March until the end of summer, when the tides are very strong and the corals are exposed, it is interesting to swim on a koyak here. Underwater you can see corals, algae and colorful fish. For sailing at this time of year in Bang Por very small.
Since April there have been very beautiful sunsets and sunrises - the sun sets within sight “into the water” and rises within sight along the water line.)
Bang Po- my favorite area. Quite a lot of Russians and Europeans live here, but it seems that they are all not too avid party-goers and in general there is real peace and tranquility here. Chaweng with its main party spots and supermarkets is 30 minutes away by bike.
Bang Por has many inexpensive cafes with Thai food and restaurants on the beach. There are cheap rooms and bungalows for around 500 baht per night.
During the flood, Bang Por turned out to be one of the most favorable areas. We've been pretty dry and haven't had any power outages.
Maenam
Maenam located on the north coast Koh Samui. The length of the beach is 5 km. In this area Very There are many houses both on the coastline and towards the jungle from the ring road that can be rented for long-term stays. There are inexpensive hotels. Nice beach. On Thursdays, “Walking Street” takes place here - when one of the streets turns into a large market with very cheap clothes and food.
Maenam beach can be said to be excellent - deeper than on Bang Po, clean in places and moderately calm.
During the flood there were many flooded places here. The most difficult (flooded) areas on ring road We were in Maenam.
Bophut
Bophut- a beach in the north of Koh Samui. Between Maenam and Choeng Mon (the northernmost part of the island). The length of the beach is 2 km. Nice, deep sea, not too many people. There are inexpensive houses for long-term living in the Bophut area, but many of them are not within walking distance from the sea (5-10 minutes by bike). Beyond the eastern part of Bophut is Fisherman Village- a very colorful place, with inexpensive hotels, excellent restaurants and a market. The market is not cheap, but you can find a lot of interesting things here.
Choeng Mon
Chong Mon- This is a short beach, only about a kilometer. The area itself is quite large, with many houses and villas of different price categories. A Thai-style house in a “Thai” village can be found from 7 thousand baht per month. Closer to the sea there are villas from 30-60 thousand baht per month. In some places you can find small and not very expensive houses right on the shore.
Choeng Mon is a suitable place for those who come to Samui for a long time, love an active party life and the opportunity to retire to their home in between parties. All the party spots are located not far from Choeng Mon, but you need to go to them by bike (10-25 minutes).
Hua Thanon and the entire South of Koh Samui
Hua Thanon and the southern coast of Ko Samui to Lipa Noi is a quiet area with a huge number of houses for long term stays.
This is not a very suitable place for a beach holiday - it is quite shallow here, and in the summer there are strong low tides and there are many fishermen, but there are very beautiful beaches on the territory of hotels and not only. In these places, very advanced foreign centenarians live - in inexpensive houses and quiet solitude.
Hua Thanon has a Muslim community village and a mosque. Residents of the Muslim village are mainly engaged in fishing and in the evenings you can buy inexpensive fresh seafood here.
About sunrises and sunsets on Koh Samui
The most beautiful sunsets on Samui are in Nathon and Lipa Noi, and in some places in Bang Po, Maenama and Choeng Mona. Sunrises - in Chaweng, Lamai, and some places in Choeng Mon.
In this picture you can see where does the sun rise on Koh Samui and where it sets and, looking at the map, figure out which beaches (Bang Po, Maenam, Choeng Mona) you can watch both sunrises and sunsets, or one or the other.
From some beaches in Bang Por and Maenam you can watch the sun rise and set. This is most likely in June, least likely in December, when the sunrise and sunset points are farthest from each other.
Hotels on Koh Samui
I hope now you have a more or less idea of which area of Samui to choose for living. Any blogger reviews about specific hotels quickly become outdated - hotels wear out and others appear, so choosing and booking a hotel on Samui, of course, is best through the Internet and a hotel search engine.
Today, to search for hotels, I use , which has options from all the search engines we know (Booking, Agoda, etc.) - you can see discount promotions, compare prices and choose the most profitable options.
Phuket and Koh Samui are considered the most popular holiday islands in Thailand. For more than 12 years, these two islands have been actively competing with each other for the right to host those who want to soak up the Thai sun. There is an opinion that this is the same one from ten years ago, but in fact this is not entirely true. The islands are fundamentally different in the lifestyle of the local population, which creates a special and unique atmosphere on each of them.
Who wins based on specific criteria.
| Criterion | Phuket | Samui |
|---|---|---|
| Prices | High | Average |
| Number of vacationers | So many | Average |
| Beach cleanliness | ||
| Excursions | ||
| Shopping | ||
| Developed infrastructure | ||
| Nightlife | ||
| Diving | ||
| Holidays with children | ||
| Travel time | ||
| Privacy | ||
| Long rest |
Features of choice
The most popular answer from experienced tourists and so-called “longstayers” to the question “Is it better to vacation in Phuket or Samui?” is “When exactly?” The fact is that half of the year - from about November to April is considered the high season in Phuket, and from March to October - on Samui, which is located on the other side of the isthmus in the Gulf of Thailand. Therefore, when deciding, you need to take into account the season. At the same time, Phuket, a larger island with developed infrastructure, shopping centers and noisy parties in Patong are considered a more civilized place. There are wider and longer roads, more entertainment and attractions, and a more varied excursion program. Koh Samui, compared to Phuket, is more like a small village - this is quite justified, because it is half the size. But here you have the opportunity to stay in a bungalow on the first line from the sea (there are practically no such places in Phuket) and enjoy the sunset in silence with the singing of birds and the sound of waves. Even Samui hotels are more like small cozy villages, while the developed areas of Phuket are built up with many high-rise hotels.
Selection criteria
It must be remembered that advantages always tend to flow into disadvantages. The noisy parties of Phuket may not appeal to those looking for beach relaxation, and the calm and slowly dragging days on Koh Samui may seem boring to those who are used to active holidays. Therefore, before making a choice, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of both islands and make a preliminary comparison.
Islands infrastructure
Phuket is definitely a more developed region socially. There are well-developed transport links, many shops and restaurants for every taste, parking lots, large supermarkets with a rich assortment (including Russian products) and high-quality medical care for both permanent residents and tourists (the island is currently actively developing medical tourism), as well as a lot of entertainment and attractions, including a theater with performances in Russian.
Samui, in principle, also has everything you need, but in much smaller quantities. There are no huge shopping malls (shopping is often limited to souvenir shops), cinemas, or entertainment centers. But there is much more greenery here and the ecology of the island is much better than that of its “big brother”. For nature lovers, a walk around Samui by car or bike, which takes at most one and a half to two hours, will bring much more pleasure than around Phuket - the landscape and views of the island are amazing.
Sea and beach
In Phuket, in addition to the most popular among tourists, which is also considered the most polluted due to the number of visitors, there are many clean small beaches where there are not many people. See for yourself. The only difficulty may be the remoteness of such places from the usual tourist areas - and. Swimming at local beaches from May to October can be difficult due to strong waves, so most visitors during this time prefer to spend time by the pool.
Beautiful in their own way, they are cleaner and more well-groomed, and at the same time many of them retain their original appearance. There are many more “wild” and secluded places on the coast that you can find on your own. There is no problem with big waves in the low season, but there are intense low tides, when the water moves 150 meters from the shore and, in order to swim, you have to wade for a long time to a sufficient depth.
Nightlife
For lovers of nightlife adventures, there are many clubs in Phuket, and new establishments are constantly opening: discos, go-go bars; Themed parties are held. Those who like to combine nightlife with beach holiday they prefer to stay in Patong, where they have the opportunity to dance the night away and sleep on the seashore in the morning.
Samui's nightlife is somewhat quieter, but there are also clubs and night restaurants on the beaches of Chaweng or Lamai. An undoubted advantage is the opportunity to travel to the island of Koh Phangan for the legendary Full Moon Party - a party that has no equal in Asia.
Family vacation
For holidays with children in Phuket, it is customary to choose family hotels with huge swimming pools, water slides and children's animation. It is recommended to bring children to the beach in the high season, when the sea is calm and little tourists have the opportunity to swim to their heart's content. The island has a zoo, bird parks, snake and crocodile farms, as well as adventure parks with bungee jumping and trampolines that will delight teenagers.
Samui is an ideal place for a holiday with children under three years old - calm sea without waves, elephant rides, parks with monkeys, zoos and attractions are also available here. Since this island is half the size of Phuket, moving around it by car with children is much more convenient and faster.
What is more expensive
