I cannot decide which is the worst island between Koh Samui and Phuket. I'd go with Koh Samui as it was the last island of my Thailand trip and it really put me off. I spent an amazing time and was very enthusiastic throught my trip, but my enthusiasm vanished once here. It certainly doesn't look like you are in Thailand as it's very, very tourist focused with European prices, but with the ugliest beaches I have visited in Thailand (the pictures below speak for themselves). Koh phi phi is also heavily invested on tourism, but the beaches there were truly remarkable. Also the nightlife in phiphi, much better. This island might be good for families with kids maybe. Although, as a European, I would not understand why a family would fly for 13+ hours just to be in a resort similar to the countless we have in Europe (with better beaches!). If you are a solo traveller looking for a bit more fun or you want to see amazing, authentic Thai islands, you might be better off going to Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi. Koh Samui is just a rip off. Same goes for Phuket. In other words, avoid the most touristy places (i.e. the islands with airports)... I was warned about this before going, but I didn't listen and I definitely regret visiting these two islands. The rest of the islands I have visited in Thailand are a piece of paradise on earth.

Ko Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It's known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas. The landmark 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple is located on a tiny island connected to Ko Samui by a causeway. you would probably expect Samui is a little more expensive than the mainland, but not that much. Depending on your lifestyle and rental requirements, expats report living here for as little as $1,500 a month. Spend in the range of $1,950 to $2,400 and you will live very well.

An amazing island. Picturesque scenery. Nice hotels and restaurants. Good food. Sun, sea and beach. A bit of shopping. Relaxing trip.

Very very beautiful island, lots to offer, night life, great food, sunset, and more. I recommend around a week to see and get the most out of what the island has to offer.

Koh Samui is probably the best place in Thailand, it's one of my favourite destinations with beautiful weather and tropical beaches. There's plenty markets to keep you busy day and night and with all sorts of different restaurants to keep you excited for the next meal. The airport is absolutely amazing, very clean bathrooms with a fish tank inside that gives you a very welcome feeling in Koh Samui. We rented a scooter from our hotel and went all over the Island. There is some restaurants and view points overlooking the sunset and close by islands. I will recommend this beautiful island to anyone for a quiet and romantic brake away.

Maybe some years ago this island was worth visiting, but today I wouldn’t recommend for the following reasons: 1. Beaches: there are very nice sandy beaches like Chaweng, Christal Bay and Lamai but that are overwhelmed with garbage and plastic everywhere, on the beach and in the water. You are surrounded by waste. 2. Urban life: probably due to covid there are many abandoned and forsaken houses, hotels, restaurants, shops, etc all over the island. It’s spooky! 3. Prices: the taxi rate in Koh Samui is the same as in Paris… 2.

Paradise island ❤️ Full of travel place, activities, actractive thing, food, shopping. Really enjoy and relax here.

is a nice island, like a boutique island comparate to Phuket. More quite, and confortable, Not so dangerous to go on bike; The beach are going to disappear in many places of the island so should be better look for accomodation with swimming pool . The friday market on Bo Phut Fisherman Village is not to miss! don t forget to go to Ko Nguyan island, unforgettable!! Ko Tao and Ko Phangan are not so far and need to be visit

I can honesty say I love this island! People are very nice and cool, nightlife is very cool with some really good clubs, the only thing I hate about this island is the taxi service! They are the MOST EXPENSIVE in Thailand and when it gets dark it’s almost impossible to get one without overpaying a lot! Double or even triple depending on which part of the island you are at!

Absolutely incredible place! Great beaches, beautiful nature, nice waterfalls, a just a little bit of nightlife.

A few beautiful beaches, quite or lively, you can find the right place to go on the island. Most of the resorts and hotels provide good service and good Thai food.

This island is infested with endlessly multiplying street dogs that are hyper aggressive and dangerously territorial. No one seems to take note. They walk around in almost every area in packs of up to 8 at a time. The locals think it’s funny. I get it, it’s your island. We’re tourists. For any tourists reading this. You’ve been warning. I’d wager some “bad things” will happen and the government will step in as revenue decreases. Maybe the person reading this is the sacrifice necessary? Better you than me. I’m out of here.

Best experience. This is my no.1 most fav beach trip ever. The island is already super developed and u can chill here nicely

Ko Samui has a lot to offer, plenty of choices regarding restaurants, street food, hotels, street vendors, dentists, pharmacists, massage parlours, hospitals and clinics, hotels, hostels, guest houses, shops, and currently due to covid many places had to close therefore properties and businesses are available for sale or rent. Various ferry ports to sail from and a small airport. Prices vary on taxis and other services depending on the quality. Cats and dogs appear to be well looked after and friendly. Motorbike and car hire at competitive prices. Shopping malls with Starbucks and KFC if you want a change from traditional cuisine. Locals, expats and tourists are friendly helpful. Some amazing sunsets. Many schools and language schools too.

Truly amazing Island with fantastic beaches, beautiful food and the most amazing friendly people.

A beautiful island. Good nightlife. The Angthong national marine park is amazing. The main problem is getting to this Island, the airfare is really expensive. And if you come by ferry , the ferry port is in the other end of the Island from where you have to spend a lot to get to tourist areas and hotels.

Good beaches but were crowded as we had visited during new year. Hotels & taxis are more expensive than Bangkok or other similar islands in Thai, food is relatively inexpensive. Worth a visit when in Thailand

A great place to explore. More family friendly on the northern coast

Pearl of the golf, Koh samui offer you a huge range of activities, restaurant, hospitality facilities. April to September is the best seasons, To much to say to right it done check follow me and my maps for make your journey a dream!!

I went to 🇹🇭 in 2016 it was my honeymoon It was magnificent trip 💓

This island is simply amazing. The first time I visited island was 10 years ago and since then I always love coming back and stay in the paradise. If you like parties then go to Chaweng, if you prefer calmer places, then go for hammock located in Maenam... love this island and my love living there too ;)

Paradise… A place where you can party, you can relax, chill. It’s a kind of place where I would like to live my retired life.

Great food, very cheap. Nice massage, very cheap, Chang beer is the best and cheap to buy from a supermarket. Some beaches are a bit dirty with plastic rubbish around. Cafes are mostly good. People are very nice and friendly. Overseas tourists will struggle a bit with the driving culture. Overall it's a good place to visit.

Koh Samui is a spectacular full of amazing people beautiful weather wonderful place definitely coming again but for longer for sure !🙏