Comparison · Koh Samui vs Krabi · Thailand
Koh Samui vs Krabi
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Manfred Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Choose Koh Samui for Chaweng Beach, Big Buddha and free sights; choose Krabi for Railay Beach, Limestone karsts and lower day-to-day costs. Krabi is generally less expensive, and the two are about 200 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 200 km
- Less expensive
- Krabi
- Best time for Koh Samui
- February–April and June–August
- Best time for Krabi
- December–March
Side by side
| Koh Samui | Krabi | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Thailand |
| Known for | Chaweng Beach, Big Buddha and Fisherman's Village | Railay Beach, Limestone karsts and Island-hopping |
| Best time to visit | February–April and June–August | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 6 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$200 | $70–$150 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 33°C (91°F) | March, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | December, 28°C (82°F) | September, 31°C (88°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 6 |
| Beaches | Chaweng | Railay West |
| Airports | USM, URT | KBV, HKT |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Koh Samui for…
Chaweng Beach, Big Buddha and free sights. Koh Samui, Thailand's second-largest island, is ringed by a coastal road of about 50 km linking a dozen beaches, from busy Chaweng and Lamai on the east coast to quieter Bophut, Maenam and the sunset-facing west. Coconut plantations and forested hills fill…
Choose Krabi for…
Railay Beach, Limestone karsts and lower day-to-day costs. Krabi province on Thailand's Andaman coast is a landscape of sheer limestone karsts rising from turquoise water, mangroves and more than 100 islands. Most visitors base themselves at Ao Nang, the main beach resort, or on the car-free Railay peninsula…
Top sights compared
| # | Koh Samui | Krabi |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) | Railay Beach |
| 2 | Wat Plai Laem | Phra Nang Cave Beach |
| 3 | Fisherman's Village, Bophut | Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh |
| 4 | Hin Ta and Hin Yai | Four Islands tour |
| 5 | Na Muang Waterfalls | Hong Islands |
Food compared
| Koh Samui | Krabi |
|---|---|
| Khao yam | Gaeng som |
| Gaeng som pla | Gaeng tai pla |
| Tom kha gai | Khua kling |
| Seafood barbecue | Khao mok gai |
Which is cheaper?
Krabi is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $70–$150 per person there, against $90–$200 in Koh Samui (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Krabi on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Koh Samui and Krabi are about 200 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 6 days in Koh Samui and 5 in Krabi.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Koh Samui or Krabi cheaper?
Krabi is usually less expensive: about $70–$150 a day mid-range against $90–$200 (estimates).
+Is Koh Samui or Krabi better for a first trip?
Pick Koh Samui for Chaweng Beach, Big Buddha and free sights, or Krabi for Railay Beach, Limestone karsts and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Koh Samui from Krabi?
About 200 km in a straight line.