Two Gulf islands an afternoon apart, and they could hardly be more different.
At a glance#
| Koh Samui | Koh Tao | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there | Airport on the island | Ferry only, 1.5–2h from Samui |
| Beaches | Long, calm, resort-lined | Small bays, rocky edges |
| Water | Swimming, kids | Snorkelling, diving |
| Nightlife | Chaweng, Fisherman's Village | Sairee beach bars, low key |
| Prices | Mid to high | Low, except dive courses |
| Best for | Couples, families, comfort | Divers, snorkellers, budgets |
Koh Samui#
The resort island: airport, a ring road, dozens of beaches, Fisherman's Village dinners, spas. Calm water in the right months and everything easy. Where to stay in Koh Samui, for couples, nightlife.
Koh Tao#
The dive island: a small place built around dive schools, with snorkelling off the beach at Shark Bay and Aow Leuk and the three-island viewpoint on Koh Nang Yuan. Sairee's beach bars are the night out. Cheap rooms, cheap food, a crowd that goes to bed early for a morning dive.
Weather#
Both are Gulf islands: best January to April, good through August, wettest October and November. Koh Samui in November and in December apply to both.
Do both#
Fly to Samui, ferry to Tao, ferry back. Koh Phangan sits between them. Koh Samui and the Gulf islands has the route. Choosing coasts instead? Phuket vs Koh Samui vs Krabi.
Ask someone from the island#
Which ferry runs in rough weather, which bay is clear this week, which dive school is honest: a Koh Samui Local Friend knows. They set their own rates and message you before you meet.
Plan the islands with someone who lives there.
Meet a Local Friend in Koh SamuiFrequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Tao better than Koh Samui?
For diving and snorkelling, yes: Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to get certified, with reefs off the beach. For beaches, resorts, food and getting there, Koh Samui wins. Different islands for different trips.How do you get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
Lomprayah or Seatran ferries from Samui's piers, about 1.5 to 2 hours, several a day. Book a day ahead in high season. The sea can be rough from October to December.Is Koh Tao good for non-divers?
Yes if you like snorkelling, small bays and a quiet evening scene. Shark Bay, Aow Leuk and Koh Nang Yuan are the snorkel spots. If you want long beaches and resorts, you'll prefer Samui.Which is cheaper, Koh Samui or Koh Tao?
Koh Tao, clearly, for rooms and food. Diving courses are its main cost. Koh Samui ranges from hostels to five-star villas and averages higher.Can you do Koh Samui and Koh Tao in one trip?
Easily: fly into Samui, two or three nights there, ferry to Koh Tao for three or four nights, ferry back for your flight. Koh Phangan sits between them if you have more days.