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Phuket vs Koh Samui: Choosing the Best Thailand Destination for a Family Holiday

Imagine waking up in the morning to the sound of the sea lapping the seashore. Is this a dream?

2min read

Published 8 June 2023

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Imagine waking up in the morning to the sound of the sea lapping the seashore. Is this a dream?

You slowly open your eyes, climb out of bed, draw the curtains, and open the window. You take in the scene before you. The clear blue sea, the verdant vegetation, gently swaying palm trees, early risers already walking along the soft, white sandy beach. A warm breeze wafts offshore through your open bedroom window bringing with it the sea air smell you had almost forgotten existed. You give your eyes a rub and maybe even pinch yourself! No! It wasn’t a dream; it’s for real! Yes, you are indeed in Thailand!

But first, let’s take a step backwards.

Many months ago, you had decided on Thailand, especially Phuket, as your family’s next holiday destination. But as fate would have it, a friend of a friend suggested an alternative, saying that his family stayed rather on the island of Koh Samui and had a really great time there. Koh Samui? Never heard of it! Let’s check it out before making any reservations for either destination.

Which part of Thailand is best for families?

First, let’s take a look at Koh Samui. Thailand's second largest island (Phuket is the largest) is famous for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and up-market spas. The island has its own airport (as does Phuket) and extensive road infrastructure. Transfers from Thailand's capital, Bangkok, are easy and plentiful. The best time to visit Koh Samui is in the dry season, from January to July. Connected to Koh Samui by a causeway is the world-famous 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at the Wat Phra Yai Temple on a nearby tiny island.

Koh Samui is very much a tourist destination though it is perhaps a little less well-known to international travellers than Phuket. If you are after a lively beach scene, Phuket is of course the place to be, but if you prefer a calmer vibe you couldn't do better than going to Koh Samui.

And now for the fun stuff.

While relaxing at the beach with your kids (Koh Samui is very child-friendly) and swimming in the unbelievably blue waters are basically the main reasons for visiting Koh Samui, there are plenty of other things to see and do as well. But let’s start off with water-based activities. Why not try your hand at sea kayaking or for something completely different, rent a paddleboard and try stand-up paddle-boarding. There are many great snorkelling and scuba diving spots spread around the island while boat trips are available to visit the outer coral reefs. Visit the famous attractions of Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks and other rocky beaches. Swim under a waterfall.

Land-based activities include visiting a Chinese pagoda, the numerous temples (one even housing a mummified monk!), street markets where sampling the local cuisine is a "must-do" (or else take a Thai cooking class of your own), rock (boulder) climbing and rappelling, watch pigs running across a beach to greet you (a must-see for the youngsters) as you go island hopping, climb to viewpoints offering incredible vistas, go on a guided jeep tour, visit an elephant sanctuary, take in a "ladyboy" cabaret show, relax with a Thai massage.

Now let’s look at Phuket.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and its popular tourist parts of it were ravaged by the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. Almost 20 years later it has returned to its former glory and is again a sought-after tourist destination. The island is mountainous and largely rain forested and has some of the best beaches in the country, maybe even in the world. It has its own airport (as does Koh Samui) and some very busy tourist hubs and towns. Transfers from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, are easy and plentiful. Phuket is known for its many nightclubs, bars and discotheques and lively beach scene. It is globally famous for its exotic beaches, colourful night markets, delicious seafood, and huge white marble Buddha statue.

And now for the fun stuff.

Clearly, relaxing on the beach and enjoying the wonderfully warm sea lapping its shores with your family (Phuket is very child-friendly) and swimming in the unbelievably blue waters are basically the main reasons for visiting Phuket, there are also a lot of other things to see and do. There are many great snorkelling and scuba diving spots spread around the island and a good family option is to take a boat tour to the so-called James Bond Island or spend a day on the beautiful white sands of the Phi Phi islands. Like Koh Samui, Phuket abounds with water-based activities so with many beaches to choose from, why not do a bit of beach-hopping during your stay?

Try your hand at parasailing or jet skiing. Or why not visit the 45-m-tall Big Buddha statue? Old Phuket Town is an experience, with its early colonial influences somehow blending in with Chinese architecture. It is a great shopping experience! Go on a jungle safari, watch the Phuket dolphin show, do a bit of island hopping, visit the tiger kingdom or an elephant sanctuary or even experience Monkey Hill, take a tour of a rum distillery or turn your hand to Thai cuisine by attending a Thai cooking class. For something totally unique, visit the interactive Trickeye Museum.

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Phuket?

While Koh Samui may be marginally more expensive than Phuket (because of the distance goods must travel from inland Thailand), it should not in the least be a deterrent for potential holidaymakers, just as the lively beach scene of Phuket should likewise not deter you from visiting. Both destinations have many great plusses against their names. Each has unique offerings while both will enchant you in their own special way.

So be the first in your family to wake up in the morning on your family's dream holiday. There is no need to pinch yourself to make sure it's real! To make it real, simply book your Thailand family holiday today!

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Phuket vs Koh Samui: Choosing the Best Thailand Destination for a Family Holiday

Which part of Thailand is best for families?

Now let’s look at Phuket.

Is Koh Samui cheaper than Phuket?

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