I thought i had settled on Krabi as the beach part of our Thailand trip but now I have been weighing Koh Samui. Does anyone have any opinions -- are the water and beaches in the Krabi area that much nicer than Koh Samui? Can anyone offer any opinions? We were looking at the Amari in either place as well as the Sheraton in Krabi.

Thank you!

depends when you go as they have different weather patterns, that may be worth considering.when are you thinking of going and does rain bother you?

I am planning on going beginning of September. I am really just wondering about the beaches and water. Based on pictures the scenery in Krabi just looks a bit nicer.

IMO Krabi does have much nicer beaches and scenery than Samui but in September that means nothing as it is often drenched in rain. You could risk it and hope for good weather but the odds will be against you.

sorry to say that september is the worst month weatherwise to go to thailand...

cheaper to fly to krabi than to samui...

amari vogue is fab in krabi if you can afford it...small beach in front of it....great scenery however....sheraton is also wonderful

In September definitely Koh Samui. We've just come back from Krabi, we were there for 2 weeks and thought it was too long. As for the beach we stayed at the Sheraton and although the hotel is lovely you can't swim in the sea as it's full of rocks.

In september,as the other have suggested,the gulf of Thailand is a better option.I would recommend Koh Phangan or Tao than Samui(beaches are too crowded & commercial).In Krabi,Ao Nang & Railey are'nt spectacular.Some of the islands like Phi Phi,Ko Lanta are very good,but you are at the mercy of the weather.

That is what i figured regarding the weather etc. Thank you everyone for confirming!! I'll be visiting my sister so it kind of restricts when I will be there.

I'll be heading to Samui this month for 2-3 nights. I don't have reservations just yet, but pretty much know where I'll be staying, as a friend owns a resort on Samui (Chaweng Beach).

There are some quieter areas on Samui. If you rent a vehicle, you can drive around the island and stop to explore 'untouristic' beaches and roads (culturally scenic as well as visually scenic... rain forest-like).

I was in Krabi last August and loved it! Really beautiful! The secluded outer islands are easily reached by boat.