Long-haul
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao: three islands in the Gulf of Thailand
One island for luxury and beaches, one for the full moon party and jungle, and one for diving. How to combine Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and where to stay on each.
It is seven in the morning, and the Gulf of Thailand lies flat as a mirror. A fishing boat chugs past, and behind it Koh Phangan rises green and quiet. On Koh Samui breakfast is served, on Koh Phangan the partygoers are still asleep, and on Koh Tao the divers are already out.
The three islands are a short boat ride apart but very different. Here is what each one suits and where to stay.
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Three islands, three moods
Koh Samui: the largest island, with an airport, great resorts, Chaweng and Lamai, Fisherman’s Village in Bophut and the Big Buddha. Boat trips to Ang Thong Marine Park.
Koh Phangan: famous for the full moon party at Haad Rin, but the north coast around Thong Nai Pan has some of the quietest bays in Thailand.
Koh Tao: a small island with clear water, one of Asia’s most popular places to learn to dive, and snorkelling at Koh Nang Yuan.
The boat from Samui to Phangan takes about half an hour, and on to Tao just over an hour. Many fly into Samui and take boats from there.
Book the experience: See boat trips and things to do on Koh Samui
Where to stay on Koh Samui
Chaweng is the liveliest, Lamai a bit calmer, and the north coast around Bophut and Mae Nam is best if you want peace.
Northwest Samui
The villas at Four Seasons are spread across a steep hillside above the sea.
Koh Samui: Four Seasons Resort
The villas are spread across a steep, palm-covered hillside on the northwest coast, each with its own pool and a view over the bay. In the evening the sun sets right in front of you.
It is far from the parties in Chaweng, and that is exactly the point.
Book your stay: See rooms at Four Seasons Koh Samui
Lamai
Banyan Tree Samui has its own bay near Lamai.
Koh Samui: Banyan Tree Samui
Banyan Tree sits in its own bay near Lamai, with pool villas on the hillside and a small beach below. The spa is one of the reasons to stay.
Guests praise the staff, and Lamai and Chaweng are close when you want to go out.
Book your stay: See rooms at Banyan Tree Samui
Where to stay on Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
For the full moon party, stay near Haad Rin and head home whenever you like. For peace and quiet, choose the north coast.
Thong Nai Pan
Anantara Rasananda sits at Thong Nai Pan on the northeast coast.
Koh Phangan: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
Thong Nai Pan is a pair of bays on the northeast coast of Phangan, with white sand and green hills around. Anantara Rasananda sits on the beach, with pool villas.
You notice little of the party scene on the southern tip, and the boats are few and far between.
Book your stay: See rooms at Anantara Rasananda
Koh Phangan: Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort and Spa
Also at Thong Nai Pan, Santhiya is built of wood on a hillside with jungle running down to the water. The view over the bay from the pools is reason enough to stay an extra day.
Book your stay: See rooms at Santhiya
Koh Tao: Jamahkiri Resort and Spa
On Koh Tao, Jamahkiri sits on the rocks above Shark Bay, with a pool and sea views. It is a good choice if you want to combine diving with some comfort.
Book your stay: See rooms at Jamahkiri
When is the best time to visit the Gulf of Thailand?
The Gulf islands are often driest from January to August, while October to December is the wettest period. That makes Samui, Phangan and Tao a good choice for a summer holiday, when the west coast has its rainy season. Read more in our guide to Thailand island hopping.
When should you book?
The full moon party: hotels around Haad Rin fill up in full moon week, book early.
Summer holidays: book Samui hotels three to five months ahead.
Dive courses: can be booked on arrival, but book ahead in high season.
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao FAQ
Which island should I choose?
Koh Samui suits beaches and great hotels, Koh Phangan parties or quiet bays, and Koh Tao diving and snorkelling. Many people combine two or three islands.
When is the full moon party on Koh Phangan?
The party is held on Haad Rin beach around the full moon every month. Dates can shift slightly, so check before you travel.
How do you travel between Samui, Phangan and Tao?
By ferry and speedboat. Samui to Phangan takes about half an hour, and Phangan to Tao just over an hour.
When is the best time for Koh Samui?
January to August is often driest. October to December is the wettest period in the Gulf of Thailand.
Where should I stay on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao?
Stay at Four Seasons or Banyan Tree on Samui, Anantara Rasananda or Santhiya at Thong Nai Pan on Phangan, and Jamahkiri on Koh Tao.