Koh Samet and Koh Chang are both islands off of Thailand’s mainland. They are both lesser known islands and are less crowded than the main tourist destinations such as Phuket. They are beautiful slices of paradise.
Koh Chang is more developed and the third largest island in the gulf of Thailand. Koh Samet is more rustic and more remote, as well as it is a smaller island. Koh Chang has more hotels and activities to offer.
Both islands are worthwhile taking a trip to. It is easier to access Koh Chang as it is a bigger island and there are flights and boats that take tourists onto the island more regularly. Both islands are an adventurers dream to visit and have experiences off the beaten path.
Koh Samet
Koh Samet is a smaller island in the gulf of Thailand, and it is less accessible. There aren’t flights that go to the island but you can catch a bus or a ferry to the island. There are a few options when it comes to the route you’d take to get onto Koh Samet.
Busses depart from both Bangkok and Pattaya and you have the option to decide which route you would rather choose. Transport to the island is affordable and there are options to suit any budget.
It is a less popular paradise and is the perfect place to go to avoid crowds. It is highly recommended that you visit the island before it gets discovered for the paradise that it is and the crowds flock onto it.
As the island is small, you can easily travel across it by taxi, motorbike or on foot. There are beautiful beaches and sensational bars and restaurants across the island to experience while visiting the island. Koh Samet is well known for its white sandy beaches.
Hat Sai Kaew Beach is the most popular beach on the island and is known for its sensational fire shows and parties.
There is a mixture of luxury and budget accommodation available to suit any budget. Hostels, hotels and luxury resorts can be found across the island despite the island being lesser developed.
The best time to visit Koh Samet is during October to April when the seas are calm and the weather is pleasant. However, accommodation is cheaper between March to October as this is the less popular season for tourists to visit.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is fondly known as the elephant island due to being shaped like an elephant. It is the third largest island and slightly more developed than other islands in the gulf of Thailand.
Even though it has become more developed as it has become a more popular tourist destination, it has still remained a more remote and rustic destination. It has a greater variety of accommodation than the surrounding smaller Thai islands.
It is popular among students and adventure seeking travellers as it features beautiful waterfalls, incredible beaches, coral reefs and luxury resorts. The most popular season to visit is during November to February.
The average temperature ranges between 27-30 degrees Celsius. There is an odd refreshing thunderstorm during this season and it will be more crowded than usual as more people will visit during this time.
During the hot season, the temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius and it can become incredibly humid. April is the most popular time for Thailand locals to go on holiday and the island can also become quite crowded then.
Travelling to Koh Chang is easier than travelling to Koh Samet. There are flights available from Bangkok to Trat and this is the quickest but most expensive option. You can also take a bus to Koh Chang for roughly 250 Bahts or you can catch a ferry.
You have a number of options when it comes to deciding what the best way to get onto the island is. It depends on your budget and what your preferred method of travel is.
Koh Chang is known to be more affordable for backpackers and offers more affordable accommodation options as well as luxury resorts. You definitely won’t regret visiting this slice of heaven.
What Other Islands Can You Visit In Thailand?
Thailand has a host of beautiful islands. The most notable are:
- Koh Phi Phi
- Phuket
- Koh Lanta
- Koh Samui
- Koh Phangan
- Koh Tao
- Similan Islands
- Koh Lipe
It is a common activity for tourists to go island hopping and take a day trip to visit the islands surrounding Thailand. They are beautiful pieces of paradise that offer exceptional beaches and activities.
There are private catamarans and boats that can be hired to take you to each of the islands or you can stay on any of the islands for a few days. Koh Phi Phi is known for its clear waters and relaxing beaches.
It is a group of six islands that is only 45 minutes away from Phuket. Koh Phi Phi is famous for being where the movie “The Beach” was filmed.
All of the islands are worth visiting and doing some research into them can help you decide which ones you’d personally like to prioritise visiting.
What Activities Can You Do In Koh Samet?
Koh Samet has gorgeous beaches and cultural sites. Ao Prao Beach is a paradise surrounded by crystal clear waters and white sand. It is surrounded by resorts but is well worth the visit. You can relax on the beach and watch the breathtaking sunset.
Wat Koh Samet hosts a temple complex that has an incredible Buddha statue in the middle of it. If you visit in the early morning you may be lucky enough to witness monks walking around and accepting alms – a practise that has been conducted by monks for decades.
Sai Kaew Beach is the most developed beach on the island and features strips of restaurants, bars and a nightlife you don’t want to miss out on. You can water ski, jet ski, snorkel, scuba dive or canoe here among a variety of other watersports.
There is no shortage of activities to keep you occupied in Koh Samet and you definitely won’t be bored while visiting the island. The weekends are known to be busier with locals passing through and the parties are famous for an unforgettable experience.
What Activities Can You Do In Koh Chang?
Koh Chang has a host of refreshing waterfalls, relaxing beaches and exciting water activities. You can tan on the beach all day, and snorkel with the fishes.
If you’re feeling adventurous you can swing from the palm trees on White Sand Beach, or you can visit the abundance of beach bars and restaurants if you are in the mood to relax and enjoy a cocktail at sunset.
If you’re in the mood to be active you can hike to the Kai Bae Waterfall, or any of the waterfalls on the island. As most of the waterfalls are in the national park, they have an entrance charge of roughly 200 Bahts.
Koh Chang has unforgettable beach parties and activities for you to experience while you are passing through. You can relax or enjoy the nightlife, its completely up to you.
In Conclusion
Koh Samet and Koh Chang are both exceptional paradise islands off of the coast of Thailand. Koh Chang is a bigger island that is more accessible but both offer a mixture of beautiful beaches and exceptional accommodation.
Koh Chang is the third biggest island in Thailand and is a sensational adventure destination to experience. Koh Samet hosts beautiful beaches and activities and is a less popular tourist destination.
Visiting both islands is a must if you are able to do so and hope to experience paradise at its finest.
