Koh Samui or Koh Phangan | Which is the Best Island in East Thailand?

Koh Samui or Koh Phangan: Which island is right for you?

So you’ve decided: You’re packing your things and going for 2 weeks, maybe more in Thailand! A bit of everything is on your Thailand buckets list. Obviously spending a few days on a gorgeous tropical island is high on that list. Amazing choice!

Thailand has so many islands but in some way you’ve managed to narrow down to just Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. From pretty temples, gorgeous tropical beaches, breathtaking landscapes, international restaurants and stunning accommodation, both islands are dream destinations and choosing one over the other feels like an impossible decision.

On the surface, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui may seem very similar. But as someone that has been and lived on both islands, each island offers a very different vibe from the other.

So should you go to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan? Ultimately this will boil down to personal preference. In this guide I will explain everything you need to know about each island. This will help you decide which aligns with your travel style and expectations.

Koh Phangan and Koh Samui

Where are the Islands?

Koh Phangan and Koh Samui are part of the Chumphon archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, along with Koh Tao, known for its affordable dive certificates. Koh Samui is the largest, most developed and the only island on Thailand’s east coast with an airport with regular flights from Bangkok and Phuket.

Phangan is about half the size and 15 km north of Koh Samui. Getting from one island to the other takes less than 30 minutes with ferries departing regularly from both Maenam and Bangrak piers in Koh Samui and docking at Thongsala pier in Koh Phangan.

Koh Phangan vs Koh Samui

While both islands offer similar activities, when it comes to the overall atmosphere they are very diverse.

Koh Phangan and Koh Samui offer different experiences for travelers. Koh Phangan is known for its serene beaches, natural beauty, and a relaxed, laid-back vibe, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility and a slower pace. It’s less commercialized, allowing for more intimate connections with nature and quieter escapes. For this reason the island is also for its holistic centers including yoga classes and meditation sessions.

Koh Samui, being larger and more developed, provides a wider range of luxury resorts and dining options. However, it also comes with busier streets and crowded beaches, especially in popular areas like Chaweng and Lamai. While it’s great for convenience and comfort, it’s better suited for those who don’t mind navigating more crowded environments.

Is Koh Phangan worth visiting?

Koh Samui is the most popular island and is primarily known for its gorgeous beaches, luxurious resorts, nice restaurants and decent nightlife scene.

However, Koh Phangan has a slightly different reputation and is largely known for its Full Moon Party. This always raises the question “is Koh Phangan worth visiting?” Mostly because many first time visitors have the impression that Phangan is just a party island attracting backpackers and party goers.

While Koh Phangan does have a lively party scene and there are events almost every night, most of these happen in remote parts of the island and far away from seaside village where tourists stay. The only exception is the full moon party on Haad Rin beach. If you want peace and quiet avoid staying in Haad Rin if your dates fall on the full moon because it does get wild down there.

To conclude, Koh Phangan is definitely worth visiting if you want experience the laid back island vibe but still have all the perks that us westerners are used to.

How to get to Koh Phangan and Travel Between Islands

Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport, so all travel requires a ferry for the final leg. Depending on your starting point, you can take a train, bus, or taxi, followed by a boat ride. Another option is to fly to Koh Samui, then take a 30-minute speedboat to Koh Phangan. Flights to Koh Samui are pricey due to Bangkok Airways owning the airports and thus having a monopoly.

Personally, I recommend the bus+ferry combo, which offers seamless connections. Buses depart from Khaosan Road, with overnight options that save on hotel costs and get you to Phangan in the morning. Combo tickets are also available from Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. →check your route here

How long is the ferry from Samui to Koh Phangan?

The ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan typically takes about 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type of boat. The Lomprayah speedboats and catamarans are usually the preferred option due to their speed and comfort.

If you’re staying anywhere in the popular parts of Koh Samui such Chaweng, Lamai or Bophut, then the pier in Bangrak or Maenam will be the closest departure points. All the ferries to Koh Phangan dock in the Thongsala pier. →view Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferries

Beaches and where to stay

Wether you choose Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, you are sure to find that perfect spot to enjoy lazy afternoons on beach and be in an area with nice restaurants and bars. From Koh Samui’s famous Chaweng beach with crystal clear waters and on the beach dining, to the laid back Srithanu with all its hip cafes and gorgeous sunsets at Zen beach on Koh Phangan, you are bound to find that place that excites your vacation dreams.

Here are the best beaches and places to stay in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. I also included a few hotel suggestions.

Koh Phangan

Haad Rin Beach

Haad Rin is a compact beach town on the southern tip of Koh Phangan. It is arguably the nicest beach on the island with mountains covered in lush jungle on both sides. Haad Rin beach is also where the full moon party event takes place. But don’t worry too much as the town is very chill outside that single day of the month

There’s numerous restaurants to choose from, both international and local. And regardless of your budget, there accommodation option from affordable hostels to fancy resorts. Don’t forget to take a 10 minute longtail boat to the secluded Wai Nam beach completed hidden away between rocky cliffs and jungle.

Thong Nai Pan

Thong Nai Pan is a small town next to a secluded and scenic beach on east Koh Phangan. Far away from the more popular towns on the west coast, the town is known for its peaceful atmosphere and luxurious resorts all within a 5 minute walk to restaurants and low key bars.

Zen Beach – Srithanu

Amazing sunsets? Zen beach is the answer. Known for its serene atmosphere during the day, the beach starts to gear up as the sun starts to go down. You’ll have a front row seat to a spectacular sunset where the colors in the sky constantly shift from orange to pink to purple as the sun dips behind the ocean horizon.

Zen beach is located in Srithanu. A laid back town known for its hip cafes, cool restaurants (lots of vegan places too), retreats and yoga classes. This is my personal favorite place to stay in Koh Phangan.

Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach

The most popular and commercialized beach on Koh Samui. restaurants, beach clubs and luxurious resorts line the long stretch of powdery white sand spilling into crystal clear shallow waters. Beyond the beach, Chaweng is known for its lively atmosphere, entertainment and abundant amenities. From fancy restaurants, international cuisine, pubs and bars with cheap drink, to the lively clubs like Ark Bar, Elephant Club and the famous Green Mango. If you’re coming to Koh Samui to entertain yourself, this is the place.

Lamai Beach

Just a short drive south Lamai is the tamer, quieter and more laid back version. The beach has less going on and offers a more peaceful atmosphere. A choice of restaurants and bars are all lined along the main beach road. And every night a small market is set up where you’ll find affordable food and drinks. Lamai is a popular family destination for its relatively peaceful atmosphere and cheap hotel prices.

Bophut Beach

Known for the charming fisherman’s village, Bophut is a tranquil spot with a nice beach and clear waters. A pedestrianized road runs parallel with the beach with oceanfront resorts, chic cocktail bars, romantic beach dining and the popular Coco Tams beach lounge, a popular sunset spot and famous for its fire shows.

While it is a small area, everything you’ll need is within walking distance and is probably the most organized and peaceful part of Koh Samui.

The bottom line

Both Koh Phangan and Koh Samui are gorgeous islands. In the end wether you choose Koh Samui over Koh Phangan or vice-versa comes down personal preference. But just to recap, if you want a more chill atmosphere then go for Koh Phangan. But if you want a more lively atmosphere along with more lodging, dining and nightlife options, then probably Koh Samui is better option.

And finally, don’t forget that these island are just 30 minutes apart by speedboat. So you could easily take a boat and cross over and spend the spend the day exploring.