Where to stay in Surat Thani – Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao
Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao and Khao Sok compared. How to choose a Gulf of Thailand island, the best months to go and how to get there.
Surat Thani province is best known for three islands in the Gulf of Thailand (Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao) and for Khao Sok National Park on the mainland. The city of Surat Thani is mainly a transport hub. Because the Gulf has a different weather pattern from the Andaman coast, these islands are a good choice in the middle of the year, when Phuket and Krabi are wetter.
Which island?
- Ko Samui is the largest and most developed, with its own airport, a ring road and accommodation from simple bungalows to luxury pool villas. Chaweng is busy and central, Lamai a little calmer, Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village charming in the evenings, while Maenam, Choeng Mon and the south and west coasts are quieter.
- Ko Pha Ngan is famous for the Full Moon Party at Haad Rin, but most of the island is relaxed, with yoga retreats and quiet beaches such as Thong Nai Pan and Haad Salad.
- Ko Tao is small and is one of the world’s busiest places to learn to scuba dive. Accommodation is concentrated around Sairee Beach and Mae Haad.
- Khao Sok National Park, on the mainland, has rainforest, limestone peaks and Cheow Lan Lake, where you can stay in floating raft houses.
When to go
The Gulf islands are generally at their best from January to August. The wettest period is usually October to December, when the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas. This is roughly the reverse of the Andaman coast, so the Gulf islands are a popular choice from June to August.
Getting there
Ko Samui has a privately operated airport with direct flights from Bangkok and a few other cities. Alternatively, fly or take the overnight train to Surat Thani and continue by bus and ferry from Don Sak pier. Ferries and fast boats link Samui, Pha Ngan and Tao, and there are also boats to Ko Tao from Chumphon.
Where to stay
Bophut and Fisherman's Village (Ko Samui)Samui's charming north-coast village with a historic waterfront, a Friday night market and easy airport access. Who Bophut suits.
Chaweng (Ko Samui)Ko Samui's busiest beach. What Chaweng and Chaweng Noi are like, who they suit, and how they compare with Lamai and Bophut.
Ko Pha NganMore than the Full Moon Party. Where to stay on Ko Pha Ngan, from Haad Rin to Thong Nai Pan and Srithanu, and how to get there.
Ko TaoA small Gulf island built around scuba diving. Where to stay on Ko Tao, how to get there and when visibility is best.
Lamai (Ko Samui)Samui's second-largest beach, more relaxed than Chaweng. What Lamai is like, who it suits and what to see nearby.
