Phuket & Koh Samui Itinerary: 7-Day Two-Island Adventure
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Phuket & Koh Samui Itinerary: 7-Day Two-Island Adventure

Phuket and Koh Samui are Thailand's two most famous islands, sitting on opposite coasts of the southern Thai peninsula — Phuket on the Andaman Sea to the west, Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand to the east. Combining them into a single trip gives you a remarkable contrast: the Andaman's dramatic limestone karsts, turquoise water, and Sino-Portuguese heritage versus the Gulf's coconut-palm beaches, laid-back island vibes, and spectacular Ang Thong Marine Park. It's like visiting two different countries within one week. This 7-day itinerary spends three full days on Phuket — covering Patong Beach, the Phi Phi Islands, Big Buddha, Old Town, and the southern beaches — then flies you across to Koh Samui for three days of Chaweng Beach, Ang Thong National Marine Park, the Fisherman's Village night market in Bophut, and the cultural landmarks around Lamai. A short domestic flight (about 1 hour via Bangkok Airways or connecting through Bangkok) bridges the two islands. You'll experience the full spectrum of Thai island life, from Phuket's cosmopolitan energy to Samui's coconut-grove tranquility, and eat enough seafood to swim in.

Budget: $50-75/dayMid-range: $100-200/dayLuxury: $350+/day

Quick Summary

Highlights

  • Swim at Patong, Kata, and Chaweng beaches
  • Full-day Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour from Phuket
  • Big Buddha and Old Town Phuket sightseeing
  • Fly from Phuket to Koh Samui
  • Ang Thong National Marine Park boat trip
  • Bophut Fisherman's Village Friday night market
  • Koh Samui Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples
  • Lamai Beach and Grandfather/Grandmother Rocks
Best Time

December to April (both coasts dry)

Difficulty

Easy

Budget
Budget
$50-75/day
Mid-range
$100-200/day
Luxury
$350+/day

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1Arrival in Phuket: Patong Beach & Old Town
    Day 1

    Arrival in Phuket: Patong Beach & Old Town

    Theme: Beach & Culture

    Morning

    9:00 AM1.5 hrs800-1,000 THB (~$23-28) for transfer

    Arrive at Phuket Airport

    Land at Phuket International Airport (HKT), pick up a SIM card (299 THB), and transfer to Patong (50-60 minutes). Check in, drop your bags, and head for the beach.

    11:00 AM2 hrs200 THB (~$5.70) for lounger

    Patong Beach

    Ease into island life at Patong Beach, Phuket's 3.5-kilometre flagship beach. Rent a lounger (200 THB), swim in the warm Andaman water, and absorb the tropical atmosphere. Beach vendors sell coconuts, fresh pineapple, and mango sticky rice. The southern end is quieter with better sand.

    Afternoon

    1:00 PM3 hrs300-400 THB for Grab + 80-200 THB lunch

    Lunch & Transfer to Old Town

    Grab a quick lunch at Jungceylon food court (80-200 THB), then take a Grab to Old Town Phuket (30-40 minutes). The Sino-Portuguese heritage quarter is the island's cultural heart — walk Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, and Dibuk Road, photographing colourful shophouses, Chinese shrines, and vibrant street art.

    Evening

    5:30 PM1.5 hrs300-700 THB (~$8.50-20) per person

    Old Town Dinner

    Dine at Raya Restaurant for legendary southern Thai crab curry in a gorgeous century-old mansion, or try Blue Elephant for royal Thai cuisine in a colonial governor's house. Both are Old Town institutions worth the visit.

    Night

    8:00 PM1.5 hrs300-800 THB (~$8.50-23) for drinks

    Bangla Road

    Head back to Patong for a walk down Bangla Road, the iconic nightlife strip. Neon lights, live music, bars, and street performers create a sensory overload. Grab a cocktail at KEE Sky Lounge for a more refined experience, or simply walk the length of the street and soak it in.

  2. Day 2Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
    Day 2

    Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

    Theme: Island Hopping & Snorkeling

    Morning

    7:00 AM3 hrs1,500-2,500 THB (~$43-71) for tour + 400 THB park fee

    Hotel Pickup & Speedboat to Phi Phi

    Tour pickup at 7:00 AM, speedboat departure from Rassada Pier at 7:30 AM. The 45-minute crossing to Phi Phi is exhilarating. First stop: Maya Bay, the stunning cove from "The Beach," followed by Pileh Lagoon — a sheltered emerald pool enclosed by limestone walls. Bring 400 THB for the national park fee.

    Tips

    • Take motion sickness tablets beforehand if prone to seasickness.

    Afternoon

    10:30 AM5 hrsIncluded in tour

    Bamboo Island Snorkeling & Lunch on Phi Phi Don

    Snorkel at Bamboo Island's healthy coral reef, then head to Phi Phi Don for a beachside buffet lunch. Visit Monkey Beach in the afternoon and enjoy a final snorkeling stop before the speedboat returns to Phuket around 3:30-4:00 PM.

    Evening

    5:00 PM3 hrs300-1,200 THB (~$8.50-34) per person depending on venue

    Rest & Sunset Dinner

    Shower off the salt and sand, rest at the hotel, then head to Baan Rim Pa for cliff-top Thai fine dining with an Andaman Sea sunset. The views and cuisine are among Phuket's finest. Or for something casual, try No. 6 Restaurant on Bangla Road for excellent affordable Thai food.

    Night

    9:00 PM30 minFree

    Early Night

    Rest up for tomorrow's temples and beaches before your afternoon transfer to the airport.

  3. Day 3Phuket South & Flight to Koh Samui
    Day 3

    Phuket South & Flight to Koh Samui

    Theme: Temples & Travel Day

    Morning

    7:30 AM2 hrsFree + 250-350 THB Grab from Patong

    Big Buddha & Wat Chalong

    Visit the 45-metre Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill for panoramic views, then drive 10 minutes to Wat Chalong, Phuket's most important temple. Climb the grand chedi for murals and views. Both sites are free and require modest dress.

    10:00 AM2 hrs150-250 THB for lunch

    Kata Beach & Karon Viewpoint

    Take a final swim at beautiful Kata Beach, then stop at Karon Viewpoint for the three-beach panorama. Grab an early lunch at Kata before heading to the airport.

    Afternoon

    12:30 PM1 hr transfer600-800 THB for Grab to airport + 1,500-5,000 THB for flight

    Transfer to Phuket Airport

    Head to Phuket Airport for your flight to Koh Samui. The most common routing is a direct Bangkok Airways flight (about 1 hr, from 2,500-5,000 THB) or a connecting flight through Bangkok (2-3 hrs total, from 1,500-3,000 THB via AirAsia or Nok Air). Bangkok Airways has the only direct Phuket-Samui route and operates a near-monopoly, so prices are higher but the convenience is worth it.

    Tips

    • Book the Bangkok Airways direct flight for convenience — it's worth the premium.
    • If budget is a priority, fly Phuket-Bangkok-Samui on AirAsia/Nok + Bangkok Airways (but allow 3+ hours for connections).
    3:00 PM1 hr (direct) or 3 hrs (via Bangkok)Included in flight booking

    Flight to Koh Samui

    Board your flight. If flying direct with Bangkok Airways, you'll arrive at Koh Samui Airport (USM) in about one hour. Samui's airport is one of the most charming in Asia — an open-air terminal with thatched-roof pavilions set amid tropical gardens. It immediately sets the tone for the more relaxed, tropical side of your trip.

    4:30 PM30 min300-500 THB (~$8.50-14) for taxi or hotel shuttle

    Arrive Koh Samui & Check-in

    Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Most visitors stay at Chaweng Beach (10 minutes from airport, the busiest area), Bophut/Fisherman's Village (15 minutes, charming and mid-range), or Lamai Beach (25 minutes, more relaxed). Check in and settle into a completely different island atmosphere — coconut palms, quieter beaches, and a Gulf of Thailand warmth that feels gentler than the Andaman.

    Tips

    • Samui taxis don't use meters — agree on the fare before getting in, or arrange a hotel shuttle.
    • Grab works on Samui but coverage is less reliable than Phuket.

    Evening

    5:30 PM1 hrFree

    Chaweng Beach Sunset

    If staying at Chaweng, take a walk along the 7-kilometre beach as the sun sets. Chaweng is Samui's longest and most popular beach — white sand, warm water, and a string of beach bars, restaurants, and resorts along its length. The Gulf of Thailand sunsets are softer and more pastel than the dramatic Andaman ones, but equally beautiful in their own way.

    7:00 PM1.5 hrs200-600 THB (~$5.70-17) per person

    Welcome Dinner on Samui

    For your first Samui dinner, try Khao San Road restaurant on Chaweng Beach Road for excellent Thai classics at fair prices, or head to The Page at The Library resort for sophisticated beachfront dining. Samui's food scene has grown enormously — you'll find everything from street food to world-class restaurants.

    Night

    9:00 PM1-2 hrs200-500 THB for drinks

    Chaweng Nightlife

    Chaweng has the liveliest nightlife on Samui. Green Mango is the iconic mega-club, Ark Bar on the beach hosts sunset-to-midnight parties, and the Chaweng Walking Street is a fun strip of bars, live music, and Muay Thai boxing stadiums. The vibe is more relaxed and less intense than Patong's Bangla Road.

  4. Day 4Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Trip
    Day 4

    Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Trip

    Theme: Marine Park & Island Hopping

    Morning

    7:00 AM2 hrs (including transfer and crossing)1,800-3,500 THB (~$51-100) for full-day tour

    Hotel Pickup & Boat Departure

    Your Ang Thong tour operator picks you up from the hotel. Boats depart from Nathon Pier on Samui's west coast. The crossing to Ang Thong takes about 1-1.5 hours. Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands with limestone peaks, hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and dense jungle — often compared to the scenery in the movie "Avatar" but surrounded by emerald sea.

    Tips

    • Choose a speedboat tour for more time at the islands and a smoother ride.
    • Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes for the viewpoint hike.
    9:30 AM1.5 hrsIncluded in tour + 300 THB national park fee

    Koh Wua Talap Viewpoint Hike

    The first stop is Koh Wua Talap, the park's main island. A steep 500-metre trail climbs through jungle to a viewpoint that delivers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Gulf of Thailand — dozens of jungle-covered limestone islands scattered across a shimmering turquoise sea. The hike takes 20-30 minutes and the payoff is extraordinary. The park headquarters, a small beach, and basic bungalows are at the base.

    Tips

    • The viewpoint trail is steep with uneven steps — wear proper shoes, not flip-flops.
    • Bring 300 THB cash for the national park fee (usually not included in tour price).

    Afternoon

    11:00 AM1 hrIncluded in tour

    Emerald Lake (Thale Nai) on Koh Mae Ko

    Cruise to Koh Mae Ko, home to the famous Emerald Lake (Thale Nai) — a stunning saltwater lagoon enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs in the centre of the island. A steep staircase leads up to a viewpoint overlooking the lake, which changes colour from emerald to sapphire depending on the light. The lake is connected to the sea by an underground tunnel, and its isolation creates an almost mystical atmosphere. This is the scene that inspired Alex Garland's novel "The Beach."

    Tips

    • The viewpoint stairs are steep — take your time and bring water.
    12:30 PM2 hrsIncluded in tour

    Kayaking & Beach Lunch

    Kayak through the calm waters between the islands, exploring sea caves, mangroves, and hidden coves. The sheltered waters of the marine park are perfect for kayaking — no waves, clear water, and dramatic limestone formations rising from the sea. Most tours include a beach picnic lunch with Thai food, fresh fruit, and cold drinks on one of the park's pristine white-sand beaches.

    2:30 PM1 hrIncluded in tour

    Snorkeling & Swimming

    The tour includes snorkeling stops at the healthiest reef spots in the park. The coral recovery within the protected marine park is encouraging, and you'll see a good variety of tropical fish, sea urchins, and starfish. After snorkeling, swim off one of the deserted island beaches — the water temperature in the Gulf of Thailand is consistently warm and inviting.

    4:00 PM1.5 hrsIncluded in tour

    Return to Koh Samui

    The boat returns to Nathon Pier on Samui's west coast, followed by a minivan transfer back to your hotel. You'll arrive around 5:00 PM — tired, sun-kissed, and buzzing from one of the best day trips in the Gulf of Thailand.

    Evening

    5:30 PM1.5 hrs150-300 THB for cocktail

    Rest & Sunset

    Shower and rest at the hotel. If staying at Bophut or Nathon, catch the sunset from the western shore — the Gulf side sunsets are soft and golden. If at Chaweng, head to Vikasa or Samui Boat Bar for a sundowner cocktail on the beach.

    7:00 PM2 hrs300-700 THB (~$8.50-20) per person

    Dinner at Bophut Fisherman's Village

    Drive to Bophut Fisherman's Village (10-15 minutes from Chaweng), a charming strip of converted Chinese shophouses along a quiet beach. The village has excellent restaurants — Zazen serves outstanding Thai fusion in a candlelit beachfront setting, while Starfish & Coffee is a beloved cafe-restaurant. On Fridays, the famous Fisherman's Village Walking Street night market transforms the entire street with food stalls, live music, and handicrafts.

    Tips

    • Friday night market is unmissable — plan your week to be here on Friday if possible.
    • Zazen restaurant requires a reservation during peak season.

    Night

    9:30 PM1 hr100-250 THB for drinks

    Relaxed Evening

    After the Ang Thong day trip, enjoy a quiet evening at Bophut or your hotel. The Fisherman's Village bars are mellow and charming — perfect for a nightcap.

  5. Day 5Samui Temples, Lamai Beach & Cultural Landmarks
    Day 5

    Samui Temples, Lamai Beach & Cultural Landmarks

    Theme: Temples, Beach & Culture

    Morning

    8:00 AM45 minFree (donations welcome)

    Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

    Start the day at Koh Samui's most famous landmark — the 12-metre golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai, sitting on a small island connected to the northeast coast by a causeway. The statue gleams in the morning sunlight and the views of the surrounding bays are beautiful. The temple complex includes several smaller shrines, souvenir shops, and the opportunity to receive a Buddhist blessing from resident monks.

    Tips

    • Cover shoulders and knees. Shoes must be removed before entering temple buildings.
    • Visit in the morning for the best light on the golden statue.
    9:00 AM45 minFree (20 THB for fish food)

    Wat Plai Laem

    Five minutes from Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem is a stunning lakeside temple complex with a massive 18-armed statue of Guanyin (the goddess of mercy) and a laughing Buddha sitting in a lotus pond. The colourful architecture is Chinese-Thai fusion, with intricate mosaic detailing and catfish-filled ponds. It's less famous than Big Buddha but equally photogenic and much less crowded. Feed the catfish from the temple bridges for a surreal experience.

    10:00 AM30 minFree

    Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)

    For something truly unique, visit Wat Khunaram in the island's interior, home to the mummified body of Luang Pho Daeng, a revered monk who died in 1973 during meditation. His body has been remarkably preserved and sits in a glass case wearing sunglasses. It's a fascinating, slightly surreal cultural experience that offers insight into Thai Buddhist beliefs about death and meditation. The temple itself is peaceful and rarely crowded.

    Tips

    • Photographs are allowed but be respectful — this is a place of genuine worship.

    Afternoon

    11:00 AM1 hrFree

    Namuang Waterfall

    Drive 15 minutes south to Namuang Waterfall 1 (Na Mueang), a beautiful 18-metre cascade flowing into a natural swimming pool surrounded by tropical jungle. The pool at the base is deep enough for swimming and refreshingly cool after a morning of temple visits. The short walk from the car park is easy and shaded. Skip Namuang Waterfall 2 (it's a longer, steeper hike and less rewarding during dry season).

    Tips

    • Wear shoes with grip — the rocks around the waterfall can be slippery.
    • The waterfall flows best after rain (May-November) but is enjoyable year-round.
    12:30 PM3 hrs150-300 THB lunch + 200 THB lounger

    Lamai Beach & Lunch

    Head to Lamai Beach, Samui's second-largest beach and many visitors' favourite. Lamai has a more local, less developed atmosphere than Chaweng — golden sand, good surf, and a string of beach restaurants serving excellent Thai food. Grab lunch at Lamai Beach restaurant or Hua Thanon beachside stalls. The beach is wide and uncrowded compared to Chaweng, with better waves for body surfing.

    3:30 PM30 minFree

    Hin Ta & Hin Yai (Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks)

    At the southern end of Lamai Beach, Hin Ta and Hin Yai are natural rock formations that bear an unmistakable resemblance to male and female anatomy. They're one of Samui's most visited curiosities — mildly amusing, naturally formed, and surrounded by beautiful rocky coastline perfect for photos. Local legend says they're the petrified remains of an elderly couple who drowned in a storm.

    Tips

    • Walk carefully on the rocks — they can be slippery near the waterline.

    Evening

    5:00 PM1.5 hrs80 THB entrance + 500-800 THB for 4WD taxi

    Secret Buddha Garden (Optional)

    If you have a rental car or 4WD taxi, drive into the lush highlands of Samui's interior to the Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden). Created by a local fruit farmer in 1976, this hillside garden is filled with stone and concrete statues of deities, animals, and mythical figures set amid tropical jungle, streams, and mossy rocks. It's quirky, atmospheric, and off the beaten tourist track.

    7:00 PM1.5 hrs250-700 THB (~$7-20) per person

    Dinner at Lamai or Chaweng

    For dinner, The Dining Room at Rocky's Resort on Lamai serves excellent Thai-European fusion with sea views. On the Chaweng side, Poppies Samui is a long-running favourite for elevated Thai cuisine in a beautiful garden setting. For budget dining, the Lamai Night Plaza food court offers dozens of Thai dishes at local prices.

    Night

    9:00 PM1-2 hrs200-500 THB for drinks

    Lamai Nightlife

    Lamai has a mellow but fun nightlife scene — Shamrock Irish Pub for live music, Fusion Bar for cocktails, and several Muay Thai stadiums that host bouts most evenings (tickets 1,000-1,500 THB). Alternatively, head to Chaweng for the bigger clubs if you want a livelier scene.

  6. Day 6Samui Beach Day & Island Exploration
    Day 6

    Samui Beach Day & Island Exploration

    Theme: Relaxation & Exploration

    Morning

    8:00 AM3 hrs200 THB for lounger

    Breakfast & Beach Time

    Sleep in after five active days, then enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or a beachfront cafe. This is your relaxation day — no tours, no temples, just pure island enjoyment. Head to the beach and spend the morning swimming, reading, and doing absolutely nothing. If at Chaweng, try the quieter northern section (Chaweng Noi). If at Lamai, the entire beach is your oyster.

    11:00 AM3 hrs1,500-2,500 THB (~$43-71)

    Thai Cooking Class (Optional)

    If you want a more active morning, join a Thai cooking class — several excellent schools operate on Samui. Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts (SITCA) and Blue Lagoon Thai Cooking offer half-day classes (1,500-2,500 THB) where you visit a local market, learn to prepare 3-4 dishes (pad thai, tom yum, green curry, mango sticky rice), and eat your creations. It's a highlight for food lovers and a wonderful way to bring Thailand home with you.

    Afternoon

    12:00 PM1 hr200-400 THB per person

    Lunch at Beach Bar

    Enjoy a beachfront lunch with your toes in the sand. Samui Boat Bar on Chaweng serves excellent Thai food in a unique converted-boat setting on the beach. At Lamai, The Cliff Bar & Grill has panoramic sea views and good cocktails. Or simply order from your beach lounger — many Samui beaches have waiter service to the chairs.

    2:00 PM1-2 hrs300-4,000 THB depending on treatment

    Thai Massage on the Beach

    Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage on the beach (300-500 THB for one hour) or a proper spa experience at one of Samui's luxury spa resorts. Tamarind Springs is widely regarded as the best spa on the island — set amid natural boulders and jungle streams with stone steam rooms and plunge pools. A signature treatment runs 2,000-4,000 THB but is an unforgettable experience.

    Tips

    • Tamarind Springs requires advance booking — call or book through their website.
    • Beach massages are best in late afternoon when the heat has eased.
    4:00 PM1.5 hrsFree

    Explore Silver Beach or Coral Cove

    Between Chaweng and Lamai, a series of small hidden beaches offer a more intimate experience. Silver Beach (Haad Thian) is a gorgeous pocket beach with excellent snorkeling directly off the shore — the coral reef here is one of the healthiest on the island. Crystal Bay (Thong Ta Khian) next door is equally beautiful with a couple of beach bars. These small coves are where Samui's natural beauty shines brightest.

    Evening

    6:00 PM45 minFree

    Sunset at Lad Koh Viewpoint

    Drive or taxi to Lad Koh Viewpoint on the southern coast for a spectacular sunset over rocky coastline. The panoramic platform overlooks a dramatic stretch of coast where waves crash against sculpted rocks. It's less famous than other viewpoints but delivers some of the most photogenic sunset scenery on the island.

    7:00 PM2 hrs400-1,500 THB (~$11-43) per person

    Farewell Dinner

    For your last dinner on Samui, The Five Islands restaurant at Intercontinental Samui is a splurge-worthy cliff-top experience with views of five offshore islands and a French-Thai tasting menu. For a more casual but equally delicious option, try Hut Cafe on Chaweng for outstanding Thai home cooking, or hit the Fisherman's Village restaurants in Bophut for a final evening of charm.

    Night

    9:30 PM1 hr200-400 THB for drinks

    Final Night on Samui

    Enjoy a final drink at one of Samui's beach bars — Ark Bar on Chaweng, Coco Tam's in Bophut, or Woobar at the W Retreat for a luxe finish. Watch the stars over the Gulf of Thailand and reflect on a week that took you from Phuket's Andaman drama to Samui's Gulf serenity.

  7. Day 7Departure from Koh Samui
    Day 7

    Departure from Koh Samui

    Theme: Departure

    Morning

    8:00 AM2 hrs150-300 THB for breakfast

    Final Beach Morning

    Take one last swim and a final walk along Chaweng or Lamai beach. Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, pack your bags, and check out. The open-air Samui airport is only 10-15 minutes from Chaweng, so you can maximise your beach time even on departure day.

    10:30 AM1 hrVariable

    Last-Minute Shopping

    If you need souvenirs, Central Festival Samui has a good selection, or visit the coconut oil and handmade soap shops along the Chaweng beach road. Koh Samui's famous coconut products — virgin coconut oil, coconut soap, coconut-shell handicrafts — make excellent gifts.

    Afternoon

    12:00 PM30 min transfer300-500 THB for taxi

    Transfer to Samui Airport

    Head to Koh Samui Airport (USM) for your departure flight. The airport is small and efficient — arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights. The charming open-air terminal with its thatched roofs and tropical gardens makes even the departure process pleasant. Bangkok Airways operates most flights, with connections to Bangkok (1 hr), Phuket (1 hr direct), Chiang Mai (1.5 hrs), and international routes to Singapore and Hong Kong.

    1:30 PMVariableFlight dependent

    Departure

    Board your flight and say goodbye to seven extraordinary days spanning two of Thailand's most beautiful islands. From Phuket's Andaman limestone drama and cultural depth to Samui's Gulf of Thailand serenity and coconut-grove charm, you've experienced the full range of Thai island life. The tan lines will fade, but the memories won't.

    Evening

    4:00 PMVariableVariable

    Arrive at Final Destination

    Whether you're landing in Bangkok for one more night, catching an international connection, or heading directly home, you carry with you a week of Andaman and Gulf memories — turquoise lagoons, golden temples, fiery seafood, and two distinctly different but equally magical Thai islands.

    Night

    7:00 PMVariableVariable

    Onward Journey

    If connecting through Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport has excellent lounges and restaurants for a comfortable layover. If you have a late connection, consider a quick Bangkok dinner at a Sukhumvit street stall to bookend your trip with one final Thai food experience.

Practical Information

Getting There

Fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT). The inter-island flight from Phuket to Koh Samui is operated by Bangkok Airways (1 hr direct, 2,500-5,000 THB) or via Bangkok on budget carriers (3+ hrs total, 1,500-3,000 THB). Depart from Koh Samui Airport (USM) with flights to Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, Hong Kong, and connecting to Phuket/Chiang Mai.

Getting Around

Phuket: Grab for all transport (1,200-2,000 THB for 3 days). Koh Samui: rent a motorbike (200-300 THB/day) or a car (1,000-1,500 THB/day) for maximum flexibility. Samui's roads are generally good and the island is small enough to circumnavigate in 1.5 hours. Taxis exist but are unmetered and expensive — always negotiate. Songthaews (shared pickups) run between beaches for 50-100 THB.

Best Time to Visit

The tricky part of this combo is that Phuket and Samui have opposite weather patterns. Phuket's dry season is November-April; Samui's best months are December-April (the Gulf can see rain in November). The safest window for both is December to April when both coasts are dry and sunny. Avoid September-November when Samui gets heavy rain.

Budget

Budget travellers can do 7 days for 12,250-18,375 THB ($350-525) including guesthouses, street food, and shared tours (plus the inter-island flight). Mid-range spending runs 24,500-49,000 THB ($700-1,400) for 3-4 star hotels, restaurant meals, and premium tours. Luxury travellers will spend 85,750+ THB ($2,450+) at 5-star resorts on both islands with private tours and spa treatments.

Safety

Both islands are very safe for tourists. On Samui, the main risks are motorbike accidents (roads are hilly and can be slippery after rain), jellyfish during certain months (ask locals), and excessive sun exposure. The inter-island flight is operated by Bangkok Airways, which has an excellent safety record. Samui has quality hospitals (Bangkok Hospital Samui, Thai International Hospital) for emergencies.

Pro Tips

  • Book the inter-island flight well in advance — Bangkok Airways has limited frequency and prices rise closer to departure.
  • Pack for two different weather systems — Phuket's Andaman side can be windier while Samui's Gulf side is generally calmer.
  • Renting a car or motorbike on Samui is highly recommended — the island is best explored at your own pace.
  • Friday is the best day to be at Bophut for the Fisherman's Village Walking Street night market.
  • Ang Thong Marine Park is closed every year from November 1 to December 23 — plan accordingly.
  • Samui has an ATM surcharge of 220 THB per withdrawal (same as Phuket) — withdraw larger amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — they offer genuinely different experiences. Phuket has more cultural depth (Old Town, temples), dramatic Andaman scenery (Phi Phi, limestone karsts), and livelier nightlife. Koh Samui has a more relaxed, tropical island atmosphere, the spectacular Ang Thong Marine Park, charming Fisherman's Village, and a gentler pace of life. Together they give you the complete Thai island experience.

The easiest option is a direct Bangkok Airways flight (about 1 hour, 2,500-5,000 THB). Alternatively, fly via Bangkok on budget carriers (3+ hours, 1,500-3,000 THB but requires a connection). There's no direct ferry between Phuket and Koh Samui — they're on opposite coasts of the Thai peninsula. The flight is the only practical option.

Three days on each island (plus a travel day) is the ideal split. This gives you enough time on Phuket for beaches, a Phi Phi day trip, and cultural sightseeing, and enough time on Samui for Ang Thong Marine Park, temples, and beach relaxation. If you have to shorten, two days on Phuket and three on Samui works well since Samui rewards a slower pace.

Neither is objectively "better" — they serve different travel moods. Phuket is better for nightlife, cultural sightseeing, and dramatic island-hopping day trips. Koh Samui is better for couples, relaxation, luxury spa experiences, and a more authentic tropical island feel. This itinerary gives you both so you can decide for yourself.

December to April is the safe window when both coasts are dry. Phuket's dry season starts in November but Samui's Gulf coast can still see rain until late November. January-March is the absolute peak overlap of perfect weather on both islands. Avoid September-October when both sides can experience heavy rain.

Absolutely — it's arguably the best day trip from Koh Samui and many travellers rate it as a highlight of their entire Thailand trip. The 42-island archipelago with its Emerald Lake, jungle-covered limestone peaks, and pristine beaches is truly spectacular. The viewpoint hike on Koh Wua Talap alone is worth the trip. Note that the park closes annually from November 1 to December 23.

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