Three names, two coasts, very different trips. The month you travel decides half of it.
Weather first#
| Month | Phuket & Krabi (Andaman) | Koh Samui (Gulf) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | Best, dry, calm | Nov wet, Dec–Feb improving |
| Mar–Apr | Hot, dry, best water | Best months |
| May–Jun | Monsoon starts | Good, occasional rain |
| Jul–Aug | Wet, rough west coast | Good, busy |
| Sep–Oct | Wettest | Rain building, Oct–Nov wettest |
If you're travelling July or August, Koh Samui. If November to April, Phuket or Krabi.
Then style#
| Phuket | Krabi | Koh Samui | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaches | Many, some busy | Fewer, dramatic | Calm, resort-lined |
| Scenery | Good | The best (limestone) | Pleasant |
| Nightlife | Most (Patong) | Little (Ao Nang) | Chaweng, moderate |
| Prices | Wide range | Lowest | Highest |
| Families | Good (Kata, Karon) | Good (Ao Nang, Klong Muang) | Best (calm water) |
| Couples | Good | Best (Railay) | Very good |
| Getting there | Direct international flights | Flight from Bangkok, or 2.5h from Phuket | Flight (pricier), or bus and ferry |
| Island hopping | Phi Phi, Phang Nga | Phi Phi, Hong, Four Islands | Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Ang Thong |
Phuket#
The most of everything: food, flights, Old Town culture, nightlife, beaches for every taste. The downside is crowds and Patong. Where to stay in Phuket, Phuket itinerary, nightlife, on a budget.
Krabi#
Limestone cliffs rising from the sea, Railay only reachable by boat, Ao Nang as a base, quiet Klong Muang and Koh Lanta beyond. Cheaper and calmer. Krabi, Railay and the mainland, where to stay in Krabi, Krabi nightlife.
Koh Samui#
Resort comfort, calm Gulf water, Fisherman's Village, coconut groves, and Koh Phangan and Koh Tao a ferry away. The most expensive and the most relaxed. Koh Samui and the Gulf islands, where to stay in Koh Samui, Koh Samui nightlife.
Our pick#
First Thailand beach trip, November to April: Phuket plus Krabi. Honeymoon: Krabi (Railay) or Samui. Family with young kids: Samui. July or August: Samui, no debate. Budget: Krabi.
Ask someone who lives there#
A Local Friend in Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui knows which beach is quiet this month and which boat is worth it. They set their own rates and message you before you meet.
Choose the right island with help from someone who lives there.
Meet a Local FriendSamui for two: Koh Samui for couples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Phuket or Krabi?
Krabi for scenery, Railay, quieter beaches and lower prices. Phuket for variety, direct international flights, food, nightlife and the Old Town. They're 2.5 hours apart; many people do both.Is Koh Samui better than Phuket?
Koh Samui is smaller, calmer and more resort-focused with easy access to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Phuket has more of everything. Samui wins for couples and relaxed families; Phuket wins for choice.When is the best time for each?
Phuket and Krabi: November to April. Koh Samui: January to April is best, May to August is good with occasional rain, October to November is the monsoon.Which is cheapest?
Krabi (especially Ao Nang and the mainland) is the cheapest. Phuket has the widest price range. Koh Samui is the most expensive on average because of its resort focus.Can I combine them?
Phuket and Krabi easily (2.5 hours by road or ferry). Koh Samui is on the other coast: a flight from Phuket or a long bus-and-ferry. Phuket plus Krabi is the natural pair.