Thailand's Gulf coast strings Koh Samui's coconut-palm beaches, Koh Phangan's full-moon beach parties at Haad Rin, Koh Tao's dive resorts, and the southern Khao Sok rainforest National Park inland from the coast.
Highlights
Koh Samui
Koh Phangan
Koh Tao
Khanom
When to Visit
Dec-Apr
Dry season with Koh Samui and Koh Phangan at peak, Full Moon Party at Haad Rin draws 30,000, and Koh Tao dive courses fully booked.
May-Sep
Drier window for the Gulf side as the Andaman gets monsoon, Koh Samui rates at shoulder-season levels, and southern Khao Sok jungle treks at peak greenery.
Oct-Nov
Wet season for the Gulf with afternoon storms, Koh Samui's monsoon brings flooding to lower areas, and the Andaman side becomes the better Thailand option.
Apr
Songkran Thai New Year mid-April brings water-fight street parties to Chaweng and Lamai, with Samui's beach culture continuing through the celebrations.
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