Chiang Mai or Koh Samui: Comparison Guide

Can’t decide between visiting Chiang Mai or Koh Samui? Despite being two very different places, Chiang Mai vs Koh Samui is a popular debate because both destinations are two of Thailand’s most famous destinations!

Chiang Mai, situated in northern Thailand, is one of the country’s largest cities. The city is renowned for its stunning mountainous surroundings, exceptional cuisine, Buddhist temples, and laid-back atmosphere.

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, the second-largest island in the country, and one of the most developed. The island is known for its beaches, extravagant resorts, lush jungle, and lively nightlife.

In this comprehensive comparison guide, I’ll highlight the significant differences between the places, things to do, hotels, food scene, and nightlife.

Chiang Mai vs Koh Samui: Main Differences

Firstly, let’s discuss the main differences between Chiang Mai and Koh Samui because there are many!

Location type stands out the most; Chiang Mai is a city surrounded by mountains, and Koh Samui is an island.

Getting to either place is easy because Chiang Mai and Koh Samui have their own airports, though Chiang Mai’s airport receives more flights daily from more destinations.

Here’s a list of quick pros that each destination claims; however, I’d advise you to read further to help you make a well-informed decision on which place to visit between the two.

By the way, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui are home to many expats and nomads, and both rank among the top two places for foreigners to relocate to in Thailand.

Chiang Mai Pros

• Mountain scenery/hiking & trekking
• Best Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand
• Cheapest destination to visit in Thailand
• Home to some of the best food
• History is rich with many Buddhist Temples

Koh Samui Pros

• Island Atmosphere
• Exceptional Resorts
• Stunning Beaches all around
• Wide variety of things to do
• Island/City conveniences

Chiang Mai or Koh Samui: Things To Do

There are several things to do in both Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. Here’s a short list of some of the best things to do in each place!

Both places are very different from one another, and activities in each destination vary. Consider the activities you’d like to do to help you decide where to visit.

WINNER: Regarding things to do in each place, It’s a tie.

Things To Do in Chiang Mai

• Explore the Old City: Located in the center of Chiang Mai is the Old City, a rich historic district home to ancient walls, well-preserved Buddhist temples, and numerous narrow streets filled with restaurants, shops, and more.

• Doi Suthep National Park: This stunning national park is renowned for being home to Wat Phra That Doi, a golden temple situated at the summit of a mountain, offering exceptional panoramic views of Chiang Mai. The park features lush greenery, waterfalls, and stunning mountain vistas.

• Visit an Elephant Sanctuary: Chiang Mai is renowned as the most prominent destination in Thailand for elephant sanctuaries due to its ideal location and climate, which are particularly well-suited for these large, gentle creatures.

• Chiang Mai Sunday Market: On Phae Walking Street, every Sunday, one of the largest night markets in Thailand takes place, featuring a multitude of street food vendors and excellent offerings.

• Explore the many Buddhist Temples: As you go for a stroll around the Old City, you’ll continuously be met with remarkable temples to explore. Most are free to enter, but some charge a small fee.

Things To Do in Koh Samui

• Have a Beach Day: Koh Samui is renowned for its stunning beaches, which are the primary reason many visitors choose to visit. Some of the best beaches in Koh Samui include Lamai, Chaweng, Bo Phut, and Lipa Noi Beach.

• Island Hopping: With its location in the Gulf of Thailand, there are many other islands nearby, including Koh Phangan, Ko Tao, and Pig Island, to explore.

• Day Trip to Ang Thong Park: Ang Thong is one of Thailand’s best national parks; Ang Thong Marine Park is a collection of 42 unique islands to explore. Located not far from Koh Samui, visiting Ang Thong Park is a must when in Koh Samui!

• Explore Fishermen’s Village: The Fishermen’s Village is a picturesque, walkable area located by Bo Phut Beach, featuring boutique shopping, excellent restaurants, and beach bars with stunning sea views.

• Night Markets: There are a few notable night markets in Koh Samui worth checking out: Lamai Night Market, Chaweng Walking Street, and the Night Market Fishermans Village.

Chiang Mai or Koh Samui: Hotel & Resorts

It’s time to discuss the numerous hotels and resorts in each location, a crucial factor for any destination comparison.

Being two of the most popular destinations in Thailand, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui offer a wide range of accommodation options.

Chiang Mai boasts a selection of 5-star hotels, numerous 4-star and 3-star hotels, and a multitude of hostels scattered throughout the city.

Koh Samui is most known for its large resorts with plenty of amenities, though you can find all types of accommodations in Koh Samui.

WINNER: Regarding hotels & resorts in each place, Koh Samui is a clear winner.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

• InterContential – 5 Star / A contemporary, luxurious modern hotel located in the Old City of Chiang Mai, with nearby shops, restaurants, and massage parlors

• Pingviman Hotel – 4 Star / Stunning relaxing boutique hotel near Nong Buak Park in the Old City, its also near the Old City River and many restaurants/shops

• Phor Liang Meun – 4 Star / A well decorated hotel with a modern and old-school look, located on the edge of the Old City in an excellent location

• Hidden Garden Hostel / Top-ranked hostel offering exceptional clean and beautiful decor, with a pool, working space and located right by a night market

Where to Stay in Koh Samui

• Kimpton Kitalay – 5 Star / Famous for its spacious rooms, many restaurants, a luxurious spa, and much more. The Kimpton Samui is in an excellent location on Koh Samui

• Ibis Samui – 4 Star / Located right along Bo Phut Beach, the Ibis is an excellent location ideal for families, with a beautiful pool overlooking the ocean

• Lub d Koh Samui – 3 Star / A perfect hotel for a younger crowd, located right on the popular Chaweng Beach, Lub D Samui is close to the central part of Koh Samui

• P&T Hostel / Those visiting on a budget, look no further. This is the cheapest and highest-ranked hostel on the island. They’ve got everything you need, even a restaurant

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Chiang Mai or Koh Samui: Restaurants

For those who rank food as a top priority when choosing where to visit, here’s what you need to know!

Chiang Mai is home to Northern Thai cuisines like Khao Soi, Khan toke, and Northern Pork sausage, amongst many other famous dishes.

Besides being home to many Thai dishes, the food in Chiang Mai is diverse and excellent.

Koh Samui has several restaurants, but the island has positioned itself to cater to tourists more than anything, meaning most of the food in Koh Samui is Westernized.

Finding local spots in Koh Samui is very much possible; there are always local night markets.

Don’t forget to experience the food at the night markets, whether you visit Chiang Mai or Koh Samui!

WINNER: Regarding food and restaurants, Chiang Mai is a clear winner.

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai

• Khao Soy Maesai: Known as the top Khao Soy spot in the city, a Michelin Guide winner for the last three years; get ready to wait in line, it’s worth it.

• Rasik Local Kitchen: Dishes out contemporary Thai food with only seasonal ingredients; expect various meats and seafood, with a variety of wines.

• Huen Muan Jai: Specializing in a wide variety of Northern Thai food, Huen Muan is the one-stop restaurant to experience Northern Thai cuisine to the fullest.

• Tong Tem Toh: Famous amongst tourists/locals, Tong Tem dishes out great Northern Thai food and is located in the popular Nimmanhaemin neighborhood.

Where to Eat in Koh Samui

• Kawin’s Kitchen: Excellent local Thai restaurant serving delicious local food with exceptional presentation.

• Cabezas Muertas: Mexican restaurant serving all the favorites, tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, and more!

• The Oyster Bar x: A classic Oyster Bar serving exceptional Lobster, small bites & more.

• Raw & Spirtz: A Chic appetizer bar serving oysters and many other small apps & drinks.

Chiang Mai or Koh Samui: Nightlife

Nightlife isn’t the most crucial factor for most when choosing where to holiday, but it is for some, so let’s get into it!

Chiang Mai’s nightlife comprises bars, pubs, numerous night markets, and a few nightclubs scattered throughout the city. Chiang Mai is a more laid-back city, so its nightlife should be also laid-back.

Koh Samui’s nightlife is quite lively, with many bars and nightclubs scattered throughout the island, lively beach fire performances at restaurants, and the iconic Full Moon party on the neighboring island Koh Pha Ngan.

WINNER: Koh Samui is the winner for nightlife and nighttime activities.

Nightlife in Chiang Mai

• Blacklight CNX: A fun nightclub featuring Blacklight in the Old City of Chiang Mai, live music, beer pong, and fun decorations for ravers.

• RED Nightclub: Nightclub featuring DJs playing authentic techno and tech house music in an intimate environment.

• Rise Rooftop Bar: Fancy rooftop bar in the Nimmanhaemin area, with a pool and beautiful mountain and city views

• Woods Bar Rooftop: Laidback pool rooftop bar serving a wide variety of beers.

Nightlife in Koh Samui

• ARK Beach Party: Ark Beach Bar hosts a popular beach party on the island, right on the sand, featuring a live DJ playing music.

• Lamai Beach Bars: At Lamai Beach, you’ll find the open-concept beach bars, basically a bunch of outdoor bars with live music and street vendors around.

• Bar Hopping in Chaweng: There are countless bars/nightclubs in Chaweng to visit. It’s the most lively area on the island and a must-visit for those seeking a vibrant nightlife experience.

• CoCo Tam’s Restaurant: Renowned as one of the top restaurants in Samui, CoCo Tam’s is a lively establishment offering beach seating and captivating fire show performances.

Chiang Mai or Koh Samui — Final Thoughts

So, have you decided between Chiang Mai and Koh Samui which you should visit?

At the end of the day, it depends on the activities you’re most looking to experience.

Chiang Mai is rich in culture, history, and food, and its mountainous landscape offers amazing hikes. Additionally, nearby are two other fun towns to visit: Pai and Chiang Rai. If you’d like to visit Pai or Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, see your transportation options on 12GO!

Koh Samui is a fun, developed island with stunning beaches, many islands nearby, and plenty of things to do. Are you leaning towards visiting Koh Samui? Check this weather guide to know when to visit!

For a beach holiday, Koh Samui is the obvious choice, but for those looking to explore Thailand’s culture and cuisine, Chiang Mai is the better option.