Koh Samui and Krabi are two absolutely fascinating destinations in Thailand, pretty similar yet each with something exquisite to offer. While Krabi provides endless opportunities to thrill seekers and backpackers, Koh Samui is more of a peaceful destination for families and couples. Rich in cultural heritage, eye-warming attractions, finger-licking cuisines and natural beauty, both the places are every explorer’s dream come true. When it comes to picking either of the two- Krabi or Koh Samui, one will surely fall prey to a desire to visit both. So we have collected, compressed and simplified mountains of information on Koh Samui vs Krabi to help you decide the best pick for your traveler type. (For a quick synopsis, refer to the infographic towards the end).
Geography
Koh Samui: Eastern Coast of Southern Thailand
Krabi: West Coast of Southern Thailand.
Landscape
Koh Samui: Tropical jungle mountains and sandy beaches
Krabi: Mangrove forests and jagged limestone cliffs.
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Best Time to Visit
Koh Samui: December to February
Krabi: October to April
Climate: Though both the destinations have a tropical monsoon climate, Koh Samui is relatively drier, as it receives much less rainfall compared to Krabi travel.
How to Reach
Koh Samui: Koh Samui Airport
Krabi: Krabi Airport
Take a connecting flight to either Koh Samui or Krabi from Bangkok.
It takes approximately 1.5 hrs to reach Krabi from Bangkok, whereas it takes a mere 1 hr 10 mins to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
Average Spend
The average cost of a Koh Samui tour package for 1 person for 3 days 2 nights costs INR 26,450/-, while the package for Krabi costs INR 11,300/- per person for 3 days 2 nights.
Getting Around
Koh Samui: Taxis & Songthaews
Krabi: Motorcycle taxis & longtail boats
Use local taxis and songthaews which are converted pickup trucks running at almost equal intervals at convenient fares.
In addition to having similar local buses as Songthaews and regular taxis, Krabi also has the traditional longtail boats to help travel among Krabi’s many islands.
Things To Do: Koh Samui Vs Krabi
Check out the below-mentioned best things to do at both the destinations!
Tourist Attractions
Whether it’s Koh Samui or Krabi, you’ll get a diverse range of eye-warming sights. We have listed the best ones here to make it easier for you to compare.
Koh Samui: The famous Big Buddha Temple, the Angthong Marine Park and the Samui Aquarium with Tiger Show are some of the many attractions that families and children would love to visit. The natural pools of Na Muang Waterfall are a pure fascination for couples and honeymooners where they can go for a romantic swim.
Honeymooner’s Tip: Newlyweds can visit the deserted beaches of the village of Choeng Mon for some privacy and romance!
Krabi: Some of the most charming places in Krabi include the Thung Teao Forest National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and crystal lagoons, and the Klong Thom Hot Springs popular for its thermal hot springs. The perfectly preserved fossilised shells dating back to 75 million years at Susan Hoi (Shell Cemetery) also form a major attraction point for tourists.
Activities & Adventures
Koh Samui: Whether you engage in Elephant Trekking with your family to experience Thailand at its most natural or de-stress with a special Thai Massage with your partner, you’ll end up having an experience of a lifetime!
Krabi: The perfect destination for all adrenaline junkies out there! From Scuba Diving, Snorkelling in Krabi, Rock Climbing, Sea Kayaking to Quad Biking, there is nothing that Krabi does not offer to adventure seekers. For more activities at Krabi, click here.
Suggested Read: 12 Kickass Water Sports In Thailand For The Water Babies To Enjoy In 2022
Planning your holiday in Thailand but confused about what to do? These Thailand travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
Lover’s Delight
When it comes to picking Koh Samui or Krabi for honeymoon, it is most likely that Samui would win the bet! With many a romantic things to do in the island of Samui, your vacation can get as exotic as you can imagine.
Suggested Read: 15 Best Beaches In Thailand You Need To Visit Right Now
Food
A trip is incomplete if you haven’t tasted the unique flavours that the place has to offer. When it comes to food, it doesn’t matter if it’s Krabi or Koh Samui. You’ll end up attaining a fabulous dining experience at both!
Koh Samui: Samui food means an assortment of seafood, prepared with a variety of herbs and spices giving aromatic tastes and smell. The coconut dishes and crustaceans here are the among the most popular food items.
If you’re a food enthusiasts & wish to try some authentic dishes, visit this link for some of the finest Thai restaurants at Samui.
Traveler Tip: Looking for some desi in the foreign land? Visit Noor India and Kohinoor for Indian cuisine.
Krabi: From street side vendors to lavish restaurants, Krabi has a lot many places that serve mouth-watering Thai cuisines. Find the best Thai restaurants in Krabi for the best experience.
Traveler Tip: Desi Khana in Krabi? Go to Bombay Palace and Malati Indian Restaurant to enjoy a great selection of Indian dishes.
Nightlife
If all party lovers made a Krabi vs Koh Samui comparison, they’d fall in love with the nightlife of Krabi.
Koh Samui: The island has a decent nightlife. Quiet and less crowded places like the Lava Lounge, the Emerald Irish Pub and Q Bar at Samui are the best kind of avenues for couples seeking privacy.
Krabi: Krabi bears a vibrant, yet peaceful nightlife with its open-air cafes and bars. For all party animals and people seeking a more lively night time, Phi Phi Island is the place to be.
Suggested Read: Koh Samui Nightlife: 10 Terrific Spots To Party Till You Drop In 2022!
Shopping
Whether it’s Koh Samui or Krabi, you’d want to take some lovely Thailand goodies and souvenirs back home to relish the experience forever. Shopping in Thailand is one such experience that no one wants to miss out.
Koh Samui: There are various options for people into street-side shopping here. Places like Chewang & Bophut hold regular Walking Street festivals that are a favourite among shopping enthusiasts.
Krabi: Katalunya Walking Street & Krabi Town Walking Street are among the best spots for light shopping in Krabi.
It is definitely not easy to decide when it comes to planning a holiday to either Krabi or Koh Samui, but that is where we come in! So, now we leave it to you to decide – Koh Samui or Krabi, which is better?
Further Read: Krabi Vs Phuket: Which Exotic Destination Fits Your Holiday Plans For 2022?
We hope we have solved your dilemma and saved your time with this analysis. So, Koh Samui vs Krabi- which one did you pick? Plan your trip to Thailand with TravelTriangle and get an itinerary drafted exclusively according to your preferences!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Krabi near Koh Samui?
If you are traveling by road then it will take 6-8 hours, depending on the traffic, whereas, if you are heading via jetty or ferry then it will take 1.5 hours to cover the distance between both the destinations.
How far is Koh Samui from Krabi?
Koh Samui is located at a distance of 250 km from Krabi by road.
How many days do you need in Krabi?
A minimum of 2 days stay is required for the best experience of Krabi.
Where should I stay in Krabi?
Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara, Railay Beach, etc. are the best places to stay in Krabi.
How do you travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
You can either take a ferry or board a bus to Koh Samui from Bangkok.
How safe is Krabi?
Krabi is as safe as any other destination in Thailand. The locals ensure comfortable environment for visitors, however, there are frequent reports of pickpockets in this area and you need to be careful while roaming in the streets.
How many days do you need in Koh Samui?
A minimum 4 days stay is required to grab the best experiences of Koh Samui.
Which is the best month to visit Koh Samui?
The best time to visit Koh Samui is from March to April.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
