Three islands, three moods, linked by fast catamarans — and the best beach bet in Thailand for a summer holiday.
Overview
The islands of the western Gulf of Thailand form an easy trio. Koh Samui, the largest, has its own airport and the widest choice of hotels, from simple bungalows to luxury pool villas. Koh Phangan next door is known for the Full Moon Party at Haad Rin, but its northern and western coasts are calm and full of yoga retreats.
Further north, little Koh Tao is one of the world's most popular places to learn to dive, with coral bays you can reach by snorkelling. Their big advantage: a different rainy season from the Andaman coast, which makes them the natural choice from roughly June to September.
Less ideal for: trips in October to December (the Gulf's rainy season) and fans of dramatic limestone scenery.
Weather
In our data, the Gulf islands are at their best from about January to September, with February to August often the driest stretch. Most of the rain falls from October to December, peaking around November, when seas can also be rough.
Jan
67%
Feb
100%
Mar
100%
Apr
100%
May
100%
Jun
100%
Jul
100%
Aug
100%
Sep
100%
Oct
0%
Nov
0%
Dec
0%
The percentage shows the share of the region's destinations in their ideal season that month.
| Koh Tao | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Koh Phangan | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Koh Samui | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to go
IslandThe mecca of scuba diving and sea turtles
IslandTwo faces: legendary parties and zen yoga sanctuaries
IslandThe island of coconut palms, exceptional spas and Ang Thong marine park
Suggested route
Fly into Samui for a few comfortable nights, hop to Koh Phangan, then finish on Koh Tao. To head back, take a catamaran to Chumphon or Surat Thani for a bus, train or flight to Bangkok.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Bottle Beach's secret cove
Diving at Sail Rock & Chumphon Pinnacle
The route at a glance
10 daysDistances are straight-line; road times are rough estimates and depend on the bus or minivan. Ferry times are typical crossings in the dry season.
Transport
Fly direct to Koh Samui airport (USM); flights from Bangkok are frequent but relatively expensive. Cheaper options: fly to Surat Thani or Chumphon, then take a bus + boat transfer, or book a joint train/bus + boat ticket from Bangkok, often overnight.
High-speed catamarans (Lomprayah, Seatran and others) link Samui, Phangan and Tao several times a day (see our Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry guide). On Samui, songthaews and taxis run around the ring road. Scooters are common on all three islands, but the roads on Phangan and Tao are steep: ride only with a licence, a helmet and proper insurance.
Budget
Expect roughly €28 to €120 per person per day for a mid-range trip, depending on where you stay.
Indicative ranges for one mid-range traveller: accommodation, meals, local transport and one activity. Peak season (around Christmas and New Year) is noticeably pricier.
FAQ
Koh Samui for comfort and easy access, Koh Phangan for yoga, nature and the Full Moon Party, Koh Tao for diving and a backpacker atmosphere. With 8 to 10 days, you can easily do all three by catamaran. Compare two of them in Koh Tao vs Koh Phangan.
From roughly January to September, with February to August often the driest. It's the best Thai beach region for July and August. Avoid October to December if you can, when most of the rain falls.
The fastest way is a direct flight to Koh Samui. Otherwise, fly to Surat Thani or Chumphon and connect with a bus + boat ticket, or take a combined train or bus + boat ticket from Bangkok, which usually takes around 10 to 14 hours in total. Details in our Bangkok to Koh Samui guide.
It takes place each month around the full moon on Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan; the exact date moves slightly to avoid clashing with Buddhist holidays. Check the date before booking, as accommodation in Haad Rin fills up fast. Dates and tips in our Full Moon Party guide.
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By Kylian Dev