Are you planning a trip to the south of Thailand and wondering which island is a better fit for you and your needs? Are you traveling with your family and want to make the best decision for everyone involved?
You’re in the right place! We’re a family of four and have spent several months, even years, living on both Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
In this article – Koh Tao vs. Koh Phangan – I’ll highlight the key differences between these two islands: size, location, attractions, accommodations, family-friendliness, and prices. By the end, you’ll be able to decide which island suits you best.
Let’s get started!
Koh Tao vs. Koh Phangan – The Stats
First, let’s compare some key stats and figures.
Koh Tao
- Location: A small island in the Gulf of Thailand, part of the Chumphon Archipelago. It’s about 43 miles (70 kilometers) east of the mainland, neighboring Koh Phangan.
- Size: Approximately 21 square kilometers (8 square miles).
- Population: Officially, 2,240 residents, but around 8,000 people actually live here, according to Koh Tao – A Complete Guide.
- Tourists: About 400,000 visitors each year, mainly drawn by the island’s famous diving spots.
- Attractions:
- Diving: Known as one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations, with sites like Chumphon Pinnacle and Shark Island.
- Beaches: Sairee Beach, Ao Leuk, Shark Bay, and Nang Yuan Island are among the favorites.
- Hiking: Trails lead to viewpoints like John-Suwan Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock.
- Snorkeling: Great spots around the island, especially at Mango Bay and Tanote Bay.
- Marine Life: Encounters with turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant marine life are common.
Koh Phangan
- Location: In the Gulf of Thailand, 9 miles (15 kilometers) north of Koh Samui and south of Koh Tao.
- Size: About 48 square miles (125 square kilometers).
- Population: Around 13,000 permanent residents.
- Tourists: Over 1 million visitors annually, with peaks during the wild Full Moon Parties.
- Attractions:
- Full Moon Party: The island’s most famous event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each month.
- Beaches: Haad Rin, Thong Nai Pan, and Haad Yao are some of the most popular.
- National Parks: Than Sadet National Park covers half the island and is known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. Just a 45-minute ride away is Angthong National Marine Park, one of the nature highlights in southeast Asia.
- Spirituality: A hub for spiritual seekers, offering events like Tantra courses, Ecstatic Dances, and Sound Healing sessions.
Accessibility – How to Get to the Islands?
Koh Tao
- Ferry Options: Regular ferries from Chumphon, Surat Thani, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui.
- Ferry Operators: Lomprayah, Seatran, Songserm.
- Nearest Airports:
- Koh Samui Airport: About 2 hours away by ferry.
- Chumphon Airport: A 1.5-hour ferry ride.
Koh Phangan
- Ferry Options: Frequent services from the mainland (Surat Thani and Chumphon) and neighboring islands (Koh Samui and Koh Tao).
- Ferry Operators: Lomprayah, Raja Ferry, Seatran, Haadrin Queen.
- Nearest Airports:
- Koh Samui Airport: 30 minutes by ferry to Koh Phangan.
- Surat Thani Airport: Requires a bus and ferry transfer (about 5.5 hours total travel time).
Koh Tao vs. Koh Phangan: Atmosphere and Vibe
Koh Tao
We lived on Koh Tao for several months, both during COVID and afterward when the tourist crowds returned. The vibe is laid-back, sporty, and full of camaraderie.
What brings people together on Koh Tao, aka. Turtle Island, is the love for outdoor sports and nature, and the island’s entire infrastructure reflects that. You’ll find countless dive schools catering to every need, resorts where you can live and earn your diving certification right on the beach, massive snorkeling tours with 200 people on a boat, and underwater photographers.
The bar culture is also strong here. Divers are known to enjoy a drink after a day in the water, and this is celebrated fully. Especially at Sairee Beach, the main beach, where bars line the shore. Bar crawls and drinking games are common.
The crowd in Koh Tao is very young. And when I say young, I mean that in my mid-30s, I felt ancient! Seriously, it’s extreme. Most tourists are young backpackers who come to get their diving certifications and have a good time in the bars.
You won’t find much luxury here, with only a few exceptions. The popular island is geared towards young budget travelers seeking nature adventures. That said, you can still find some chic restaurants and villas here and there.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has been our on-and-off home base since 2020. The island has many different faces, depending on where you are. Around the Full Moon Party in Haad Rin, you’ll mostly encounter young backpacker partygoers. On the opposite side of the island, in Sri Thanu, you’ll find a hub of the spiritual “conscious community.” Here, it’s less about drinking and more about a healthy lifestyle and spiritual or body-conscious activities.
I see Koh Phangan as a refuge for those who don’t quite fit in anywhere else. People who have left behind a conservative, traditional lifestyle, who are extreme in some way, different, or stand out. This can be both positive and negative – some characters here make you shake your head.
But this diversity offers you something invaluable: the freedom to explore and express yourself in whichever direction you choose.
On Koh Phangan, you’ll find the coolest parties, white sandy beaches, and waterfalls. And the island offers quite a bit in terms of luxury.
However, due to its size and diversity, it feels less personal, and the “community feeling” is lacking. Different groups sometimes clash, and not always with understanding.
Beaches and Scenery
Koh Tao
Beaches:
- Sairee Beach: The most popular and longest beach on the island, known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and stunning sunsets.
- Ao Leuk: A quieter bay with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and relaxing.
- Shark Bay: Famous for frequent sightings of blacktip reef sharks and calm, shallow waters perfect for snorkeling. My husband and I once saw seven black tips while snorkeling here – an amazing experience!
- Tanote Bay: A more secluded beach, great for snorkeling, with a large rock that’s popular for cliff jumping.
Natural Beauty:
- Dive Sites: Koh Tao is a world-renowned diving destination, with sites like Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, and Shark Island offering a chance to explore coral reefs, diverse marine life, and seasonal sightings of whale sharks.
- Viewpoints: The island has breathtaking viewpoints like John-Suwan Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock. You can also visit Koh Nang Yuan, a neighboring island with two green hills connected by a picturesque sandbank – a postcard-perfect image associated with Koh Tao.
Koh Phangan
Beaches:
- Haad Rin Beach: The most famous beach, especially known for hosting the monthly Full Moon Party. It has a lively atmosphere with soft sand and clear waters. We love going there with the kids but strictly avoid it during the Full Moon Party week (4 days before and 4 days after). Check their schedule here.
- Secret Beach: A tranquil spot known for its serene environment, clear waters, and relaxed vibe. There’s a nice restaurant and just a few small bungalows.
- Thong Nai Pan: A pair of beautiful, palm-fringed beaches (Noi and Yai) offering luxury resorts and a peaceful ambiance. When the island gets too busy, we escape to Thong Nai Pan for some calm.
- Haad Yao: A long, sandy beach with many posh restaurants, popular with families and sunset seekers.
Natural Beauty:
- Jungles: Koh Phangan is lush with dense jungles, offering numerous hiking trails, like the Bottle Beach trails, that lead to a secluded beach and a stunning viewpoint.
- Waterfalls: The island is home to several waterfalls, including Than Sadet and Phaeng Waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip after or during a hike.
- Hidden Bays: Koh Phangan’s coastline is dotted with hidden bays like Why Nam, Haad Yuan, and Haad Tien, each uniquely beautiful and paradise-like.
Activities and Attractions in Koh Tao and Koh Phangan
Koh Tao
As mentioned earlier, Koh Tao is all about diving and nature. No one comes to Koh Tao looking for fine dining, shopping, or luxury.
So, you’ll find an incredible range of diving experiences here. But even if you’re not into diving, there’s still plenty to enjoy. There are various snorkeling spots, and you can do water sports, like kite-surfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.
Other activities include hiking, rock climbing, and boat tours. However, beyond that, the island doesn’t offer much else. There’s a rather rundown mini-golf course, a few yoga studios, Muay Thai boxing, and two gyms. Life on the island revolves around the bars. During the high season, there are also larger parties inland.
There’s just one very basic co-working space, and the island’s cafes tend to get crowded quickly. This can make working without a dedicated workspace at home quite challenging.
Koh Phangan
When it comes to the variety of activities, Koh Phangan definitely has more to offer. While there aren’t many diving spots (only Sail Rock, which is located halfway between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan), there are plenty of other cool things to do.
In addition to hiking and waterfalls, there’s a zip-line (even one with a bike!), efoiling, kite spots, and jet ski tours. During the high season, there are parties every day – from mainstream house music on the beach, to psytrance, techno beach parties, and the teen-focused Full Moon Party.
Koh Phangan is also a yoga and retreat mecca. Here, you can fast, cleanse, eat vegan, and do as much yoga as your heart desires. You’ll find countless spiritual events and centers – ranging from the most mystical experiences to scientifically-backed and professionally-led self-discovery workshops.
There are many co-working spaces spread across the island, and almost every cafe here offers fast internet and seating options where you can work with your laptop.
Accommodation Options and Styles
Koh Tao
I don’t know why, but almost every accommodation on Koh Tao features gray concrete walls and furniture made of concrete. Somehow, the locals seem to love this style. I affectionately call it “Koh Tao charm,” but honestly, I find it pretty ugly.
But as I mentioned, you don’t come to Koh Tao for stylish luxury accommodations. You’ll find plenty of budget accommodations and hostels. There are also basic to mid-range resorts with pools. The island does have a few high-end luxury villas, but because they’re scarce, they tend to be disproportionately more expensive than elsewhere in the gulf of Thailand.
Koh Phangan
In Koh Phangan, it’s definitely easier to find the right accommodation simply because the island is larger. You’ll find countless party hostels in Haadrin, Ban Tai, and Thongsala, chic resorts in the west, and elegant villas with beautiful views in the hills.
The island is currently experiencing an unprecedented construction boom. Investors are buying large plots of land and building rows of holiday homes. So, you can expect the range of accommodations to continue growing, and rental prices might even drop a bit. Check out my guide on where to stay in Koh Phangan.
Food Options – Which Island Offers More?
Koh Tao
The food in Koh Tao is very meat and fish-heavy. You’ll mostly find Thai restaurants that also offer simple Western food. There are also a few pizzerias and Indian and Mexican restaurants. On the beach, you’ll often be entertained by fire shows during dinner – these are free and simply breathtaking.
But what I love most are the cafes, because Koh Tao has plenty of good ones. They offer great coffee, delicious smoothie bowls, pancakes, and croissants.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan also has many restaurants offering meat and fresh seafood, but it’s much more diverse when it comes to plant-based food. In short, Koh Phangan is heaven for vegetarians and vegans!
You’ll find vegan restaurants of all kinds here and eat things you never thought possible in vegan form. Because the island caters to so many international tourists, the locals are well-prepared for all kinds of special requests – gluten-free food, plant-based milk alternatives, etc. It’s really impressive here!
Family-Friendliness and Kids Activities
Koh Tao
The friendly locals in Koh Tao love children, and they’re warmly welcomed everywhere. You can hang out on the beach, go hiking, and snorkel with the whole family, and you’ll always feel safe and comfortable.
But honestly, that’s where it ends. Aside from the mini-golf course, there aren’t really any other family-friendly activities. There are no kid’s clubs, waterparks, playgrounds, or supervised children’s groups. This can be a problem on rainy days when there’s not much to do with little ones.
There are only two international schools/kindergartens, so expats have little choice when it comes to childcare and education. However, children’s ballet and dance classes are offered several times a week.
It’s also worth mentioning that there are very few private cars on Koh Tao. You’re most likely going to rent a scooter. Depending on your level of confidence and experience, not every family may feel comfortable riding a scooter with children. This is something you should consider, too.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has become a true paradise for children, thanks to the massive influx of families in recent years. During jellyfish season, large nets are placed at the most popular beaches to make swimming safe.
The island offers 15 international schools and kindergartens (with more on the rise). There are various supervised and unsupervised indoor playgrounds, daily kids workshops, soccer fields, tennis courts, paddle courts, several mini-golf courses, and a small zoo.
So, even during the rainy season, there’s plenty to do in Koh Phangan.
It’s also very easy to rent a car here, so families who feel unsure about riding scooters can easily switch to a car.
The Cost of Living in Koh Tao and Koh Phangan
The prices in supermarkets and restaurants differ little between the two islands. The main differences lie in the accommodation. Koh Tao is more expensive and of lower quality.
For example, in Koh Tao, we rented a two-bedroom apartment for 40,000 Thai Baht (about $1,165 USD) per month. It had a sea view and a central location, but we had neighbors above and below and on both sides.
In Koh Phangan, we currently rent a large two-bedroom house with two bathrooms and a huge terrace, centrally located and with no neighbors, for the exact same price.
In these articles, I provide detailed insights into the Cost of Living in Koh Tao 2024 and Koh Phangan 2024.
Koh Tao vs. Koh Phangan: Which Island Should You Choose?
So, which island should you choose? I know, I know, it’s tough! Both islands are tropical paradises and absolutely worth a visit!
Here’s my recommendation: If you’re looking for a nature thrill and are excited about scuba diving and enjoying a beer on the beach, you should definitely go to Koh Tao. You’ll have a fantastic time, and it’ll feel a bit more local and pure. The lifestyle is laid-back and peaceful.
However, activities for kids are pretty limited. Most diving tours start early in the morning at 6 am. What will you do with the kids then? You’ll likely have to split up, as it’s challenging to find nannies (especially at that hour).
For a family vacation, I recommend spending about 4 days on Koh Tao. That’s enough time to dive and see all the beautiful beaches and viewpoints.
As expats, we’ve managed to stay there for up to 3 months at a time, but only if we had a house with a work desk. Otherwise, living and working remotely in Koh Tao is quite challenging.
Koh Phangan, on the other hand, is the more varied alternative. There’s plenty of nature and interesting subcultures to explore. The dining options are great and diverse, and you won’t get bored here with kids.
Even though Koh Phangan has such great infrastructure, it still feels like a tropical island. There are places without tourists and breathtaking villas in the hills.
But Koh Phangan can get very busy, especially in the high season. The traffic can be stressful due to the many trucks, and island life here feels less intimate and laid-back. On top I feel like we often have the worst kind of tourists here – no respect, drunk driving, etc. That makes me sad.
Still, you can easily spend a week in Koh Phangan with the family and still not see everything. Expats can stay here longer, as the infrastructure for living (with kids) and working is just fantastic. And if something’s missing, a 30-minute trip to Samui, the largest island of the three, will give you access to a mall, cinema, and shopping.
Final Thoughts
The good news is, you can’t go wrong with either island. Both are fantastic and offer different perks. For vacationers with kids who feel comfortable on a scooter, I recommend spending a few days on Koh Tao and at least a week on Koh Phangan. Expats and digital nomad families, on the other hand, should definitely opt for Koh Phangan.
So, which island will you choose? Do you have any questions about Koh Tao or Koh Phangan? Please let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
