Travel Blogs

Phuket or Samui?

Deciding whether to honeymoon in Phuket or Koh Samui is undisputedly a first world problem, but can cause heated debate nevertheless. Here are some considerations.

WEATHER  Choosing which island to visit depends on the time of year you plan to travel. Both Phuket and Samui have tropical climates with hot weather and monsoon seasons, but the timing of the monsoon season differs slightly.  In general, the weather on Phuket is better from November until January. The weather is better on Koh Samui from May until September. The weather is very good in both locations from February to April. The weather is bad on both islands in October – when a visit to Koh Samet or Hua Hin would be a far better choice!

LOCATION  Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is located in the Andaman Sea. It is 500 miles from Bangkok and is connected to the mainland by a number of modern road bridges. It is easy to travel between the island’s main attractions.  Samui is nestled peacefully in the Gulf of Thailand and is the country’s third-largest island. It is 420 miles south of Bangkok. Its location in the Ang Thong National Marine Park boasts some of the best snorkeling spots on the globe. The main tourist destinations are Chaweng and Lamai, but there are also many isolated and idyllic beaches on the island’s west coast.

ACCESSIBILITY  In terms of accessibility, Phuket beats Samui. Phuket’s large airport and a plethora of traveling options – by road or rail, make it far easier to reach. Phuket can be reached by air, sea or land. Currently, there are over 65 airlines operating flights out of Phuket Airport. The airport offers direct flights to 49 cities around the world, making it more convenient for anyone to visit the island.
Samui, unlike Phuket can be reached only by air or sea. The airport is a private enterprise, and flights are generally more expensive. Ferry services are also available.

BEACHES Both islands have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. For a social whirlwind or surfing, Phuket is the better choice. For a more relaxed vacation by the ocean, or for snorkeling, Samui is the winner. Phuket’s beaches are famous not just for their captivating views but also for the activities tourists can enjoy. At Patong, Phuket’s most visited beach attracts visitors with beach massages, sea-side food service, and bustling beach club nightlife. Phuket also offers world-renowned surf beaches. Samui’s beaches are quieter and smaller than Phuket and are excellent for snorkeling. People who want to relax in a beautiful tropical setting are more attracted to Samui than Phuket. Many of Samui’s beaches offer stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand. Chaweng and Lamai Beaches are tourist-frequented. But there are many more uncrowded and peaceful parts of the coastline.