4 best day trips from Koh Samui

Day trips compared

The day trips

35 km · About 1–2 hours by boat

1.Ang Thong National Marine Park

An archipelago of more than 40 limestone islands with kayaking among the karsts, snorkelling, a steep climb to the viewpoint on Koh Wua Talab and the enclosed Emerald Lake on Koh Mae Ko. Trips run less reliably during the October–December monsoon.

Getting there

Organised boat or speedboat tour

Best for

First-timers, Families, Couples

15 km · About 20–40 minutes by boat

2.Koh Phangan

Samui's neighbour has quieter beaches such as Thong Nai Pan and Bottle Beach, jungle waterfalls and Haad Rin, home of the monthly Full Moon Party. Many visitors stay overnight.

Getting there

Ferry or speedboat from Bophut, Bang Rak or Maenam

Best for

Nightlife, Solo travellers, Beach

60 km · About 1.5–2 hours by high-speed boat

3.Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan

Koh Tao is one of the world's busiest places to learn to dive, with clear water and coral reefs. Tours stop at Koh Nang Yuan, three islets joined by sandbars with a viewpoint over them.

Getting there

High-speed catamaran or snorkelling tour

Best for

Beach, Solo travellers, Couples

8 km · About 20–30 minutes by longtail

4.Koh Tan and Koh Madsum

Two small islands off Samui's south coast with calm, shallow snorkelling reefs, quiet beaches and simple seafood restaurants. Koh Madsum is known for its free-roaming pigs on the beach.

Getting there

Longtail or snorkelling tour from the south coast

Best for

Families, Quiet stays, Beach

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Shared songthaews run along the ring road by day, stopping on request; agree the fare before getting on, as prices for visitors vary.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask