Same job, opposite monsoon. Phuket and Krabi for November to April. Samui and Phangan for January to September, with overlap in winter.

Koh Samui

Samui is the Gulf hub with an airport on the island. January to September is the easier sea. Chaweng is loud. The north and south coasts are quieter.

GulfUSMLomprayah

SeasonEasier January to September

AirportUSM, short drives to most beaches

BoatsLomprayah to Phangan and Tao

Samui is the Lower Gulf base: an airport, a loud east-coast strip, and boats to Phangan and Tao. Fly BKK-USM when the day matters. The Donsak ferry plus a van from the mainland is the slower, cheaper path.

Nikki Beach and the beach-club row sit on the Samui nightlife page. Six Senses and Four Seasons sit under resort living.

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Samui staysPick a coast
Chaweng for action, Maenam and Bophut for quieter nights.
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Chaweng hotelsEast coast
Walk to dinner, hear the road.
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Phangan and Tao boatsRail and ferry
Book Lomprayah the afternoon before, not at the pier in a swell.
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Common questions

Samui or Phuket?: Same job, opposite monsoon. Phuket and Krabi for November to April. Samui and Phangan for January to September, with overlap in winter.

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Common questions