I get why you chose Koh Samui as part of your trip to Thailand! As the second-largest island in Thailand after Phuket, Koh Samui offers a wealth of adventures for all kinds of travelers.
The island boasts beautiful white-sand beaches lined by palm trees, plenty of cultural attractions, and beautiful temples. You can even go chasing waterfalls!
There are a few things to do in Koh Samui that you shouldn’t miss for the world, including Bophut Beach, Chaweng, the Big Buddha, and Wat Plai Laem. Is its diversity of landscapes that makes Koh Samui so famous in the region, and it’s well worth exploring in-depth.
If you have a day or two to spare, however, I highly recommend adding a day trip (or five!) to your Koh Samui itinerary. The island is surrounded by yet more islands, corals, and spectacular marine parks awaiting to be discovered.
In this post you’ll find the best day trips from Koh Samui – from hanging out with elephants responsibly to snorkeling with turtles and hiking to epic viewpoints. Read on!
Visit the Ang Thong Marine Park from Koh Samui
Ang Thong Marine Park is a pristine archipelago made of 42 islands scattered along the Gulf of Thailand.
It’s home to a very diverse landscape made of limestone peaks as tall as 400 meters, white sand beaches, dense rainforest jungle, hidden coves, lakes, and stunning waterfalls. In short, it’s a stunning place.
Over the years I’ve visited many places in Thailand, and Ang Thong National Park remains one of my top 3 destinations.
The islands of Ang Thong appeared in the novel ‘The Beach’ by Alex Garland, and even if the movie with DiCaprio was actually filmed in Phi Phi Leh, these islands became more known thanks to the novel.
There are many operators offering boat trips to Ang Thong, but I personally went with Boutique Yachting and can highly recommend it. This tour operator offers luxury day trips to Ang Thong Park on a beautiful, wooden motor-operated sailing yacht. It was an incredible experience so let me tell you more about it.
The tour includes pick up from your hotel and transfer to Petcherat Pier. From here, it takes 2 hours to sail to Ang Thong National Park. Along the way, you’ll get to relax on day beds on the sundeck and enjoy a buffet breakfast onboard. The tour also includes unlimited soft drinks throughout the day, as well as lunch and snacks (fresh fruit and cake).
You’ll first visit the island of Koh Wua Talap, where you can either relax on the beach or walk to the viewpoint for this INCREDIBLE view.
You’ll then head to Mae Koh Island where you’ll find an inland saltwater lagoon called Emerald Lake (Thale Nai). Again you have the option to hike up to see it, or you can relax at the beach.
On the way back to Koh Samui, you’ll be able to admire a beautiful sunset, and it’s not that rare to also spot dolphins and whales!
You can read about my experience in Ang Thong National Park in detail. Boutique Yachting trips often sell out, so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment!
▶️ Check out availability and book the Ang Thong Full-Day Discovery Cruise from Koh Samui directly online. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
You can find cheaper Ang Thong National Marine Park tours from Koh Samui, but in my opinion, this is the best tour and the price tag is totally worth it!
▶️ A good alternative is the Mu Ko Ang Thong Park: Semi-private Sunset Cruise Tour that gets great reviews from travelers. The itinerary is the same, but here you’ll also get to kayak. This tour is cheaper, and a little less luxurious. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Go On a 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour in Koh Samui
One of the most popular day trips from Koh Samui has surprisingly nothing to do with the sea and island hopping. It’s going deep into the jungle for a safari!
▶️ The 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour has won the 2019 Get Your Guide Award for Best Adrenaline Rush tour in Asia, so you know why so many people love it!
On this tour, you’ll go on a safari through the jungle and mountains of Koh Samui in a rugged ex-army jeep. You’ll visit the iconic Grandmother and Grandfather rocks, swim in the natural pool by Koh Samui’s largest waterfall, and go on two zip line cable rides.
You’ll also get to visit a few viewpoints, the Big Buddha, and Buddha’s Magic Garden. It will show many top attractions on the island, and it includes lunch and transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Choose a Koh Tao Day Trip for the Best Snorkeling
Koh Tao is an island located to the east of the Surat Thani coastline, and it’s a perfect day trip destination from Koh Samui if you’re into snorkeling or diving.
This small island is famous for scuba diving, and it’s actually one of the cheapest places in the world you can get a scuba diving license! Although for that, you’ll need to spend more than one day on the island…
READ MORE: 13 Best Things To Do in Koh Tao
The name Koh Tao in Thai means Turtle Island, and it’s called after the sea turtles that live in the area.
While the population of sea turtles has significantly declined over the past few decades, you can still spot green and hawksbill turtles, particularly in the Thian Og Bay area. Can you imagine how cool it is to snorkel or dive near beautiful turtles?
➤ You can potentially organize a Koh Samui to Koh Tao day trip on your own, but it’s a pretty long ferry ride (1 hour and 45 minutes) for a day trip, especially if you add the transfer time to the pier from your hotel and back.
It’s one of those cases where I’d strongly recommend a tour. If you prefer to travel independently you can check out the ferry schedule and price here. Otherwise, check out these great tour alternatives:
▶️ Like snorkeling? Book this Full-Day Snorkeling Tour on Koh Tao, and get a glimpse into the island’s underwater world. See the impressive reef system first-hand, and benefit from hotel transfers, lunch, and snorkeling sessions at two different spots. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you want to go one step further, take a look at the Diving Trip at Koh Tao from Koh Samui Including Lunch. The tour starts with pick-up at your hotel, and once in Koh Tao, an instructor will teach you the basics of diving before going on two supervised dives, so no experience is necessary. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you’re a certified diver, you can discover the glorious marine life with this Koh Tao 2-Dive Day Trip from Koh Samui for certified divers. It begins and ends at your hotel with convenient transfers, and includes 2 dives with all the equipment and a professional dive master. Lunch is also provided. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Beautiful Views at Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan is an idyllic island that’s located offshore from Koh Tao, just a 20-minute boat ride away.
This tiny island is known for its pristine aquamarine waters and the picturesque rocks that provide the perfect backdrop for the most perfect beach day. It also offers great snorkeling due to its closeness to the reef.
When you are in Koh Nang Yuan, don’t be lazy and walk up to the viewpoint – the views are incredible (as you can see from the photo!)
The hike to the vantage point takes about 20 minutes, and I highly recommend doing it with closed shoes and mosquito repellent. The mosquitoes ate us alive!
Because of its proximity to Koh Tao, it’s best to combine Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan in one trip. It’s not time-effective at all to do it on your own because of the multiple transfers, so I highly recommend going with a tour.
▶️ Check out the Koh Nang Yuan Speedboat Trip. The excursion includes hotel pick up and drop off and takes you snorkeling off the coast of Koh Tao. You’ll savor a scrumptious lunch, and spend free time in Koh Nang Yuan to sunbathe at the beach and hike to the viewpoint. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan + Koh Phangan Day Trip
If I say Koh Phangan, I’m pretty sure you’ll think about the Full Moon party. Held every month on the beach at the time of (guess what?!?) the full moon, the Full Moon party attracts thousands of people every time.
The party, which takes place on the beach, lasts all night long and it’s said to be incredible (and a little crazy!)
➤ It’s easy to organize a day trip to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui since it’s just a 30-minute ferry ride away. If you’re just going for the party, I recommend booking a ticket specific for the event.
▶️ This Full Moon Party Ferry Ticket can be booked one-way or round-trip, and it picks you up from your hotel. You’ll be brought by ferry to the island any time between 6 PM and 11 PM, and the next morning, taken back to Koh Samui and straight to your hotel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
But there is more to this island than the boisterous nightlife scene and the infamous Full Moon party. If you prefer a quiet time at the beach, Koh Phangan is still a great destination for that.
As the fifth biggest island in Thailand, Koh Phangan is home to a tropical jungle interior and is dotted with gorgeous, white sand beaches. The best ones are Chaloklum & Mae Haad, Haad Yao & Haad Salad, and Thong Sala.
➤ You can easily go on an excursion to Koh Phangan on your own by taking the ferry from either Nathon Pier or Bangrak Pier. From these two ports, the journey takes just 30 minutes. If you’re visiting during the high season, it’s highly suggested that you book your tickets in advance. ➥ BUY YOUR TICKET HERE
▶️ If you prefer a hassle-free trip, check out the Koh Phangan Day Tour by Junk Boat. You’ll sail on a beautiful wooden junk boat, go snorkeling at the Koh Ma Reef in Koh Phangan, and enjoy some time at a secluded beach. The excursion includes pick up and drop off, as well as lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Responsible Koh Samui Elephant Tour To Samui Elephant Sanctuary
I’m always extremely careful when recommending an experience that involves animals, so I’ve done my research before recommending this one.
The problem is that most elephant “sanctuaries” or parks aren’t sustainable at all. Most of them offer elephant rides which is a big no no, and many chain the elephants which is also totally wrong.
There are very few parks in Southeast Asia that are doing things right, and Samui Elephant Sanctuary in Koh Samui is one of them. Opened just in 2018, this is the first ethical park on the island; here you’ll get to interact with rescued elephants.
I’ve visited the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai twice in the past, which is considered the most sustainable elephant park in Thailand, and absolutely loved the experience.
The owners of the Samui Elephant Sanctuary are following the same guidelines that are given by the Save Elephant Foundation, and operate in the same way as Elephant Nature Park.
The cost of the visit at the time of writing is 3000 baht for adults ($98) and 1500 baht for kids. Yes, it’s more expensive than other elephant parks, but you know where your money is going here and that the animals are treated fairly.
When booking a visit, you can choose between the Morning and the Afternoon Tour.
During the tour, you’ll get to feed the elephants, walk with them, and observe them as they bathe in the pool and play in the mud pit. It’s very similar to the program at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. The tour also includes transportation from and to your hotel and lunch. ➥ BOOK YOUR VISIT HERE
Day Trips from Koh Samui to Koh Taen
Koh Taen (also called Koh Tan) is a small island located to the south of Koh Samui, and it’s part of the Koh Samui archipelago.
Being so close, it’s a great destination for a day trip, especially for people who don’t want to spend too much time on the boat itself.
This tiny island is a haven for those looking to be one with nature. It’s not as visited as other islands in the Gulf of Thailand such as Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, so there’s an untouched feel to it.
For the same reason though, there are limited tourist facilities available on the island. If you’re looking for a variety of bars and restaurants, this isn’t for you.
But to make up for the lack of tourist facilities, there are some beautiful beaches on Koh Taen. If you like silence and peace head to the eastern side of the island where you can find a long deserted beach.
You can often have it all to yourself, especially if you visit during the off-peak season.
If you go to the southern side, you’ll find coral reefs and rich marine life to snorkel with. Sometimes you can even spot sea turtles and manta rays here!
➤ To visit Koh Taen on your own, make your way to the fishing village of Thong Krut on the southern side of Koh Samui. Head to the pier and look for a longtail boat, which will take you to your destination. The trip takes 15 to 20 minutes.
▶️ You can also visit with a tour by joining this Island Hopping with Snorkeling and Lunch from Koh Samui. It includes pickup from your hotel, and a sailing trip on a luxury wooden yacht with a jacuzzi.
The first stop is for snorkeling at Koh Taen, followed by lunch on the beach. Then you’ll have free time at Koh Mudsum for some beach time, or to go kayaking in the sea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Hang Out With Pigs in Koh Madsum
Koh Madsum is another tiny island off the coast of Koh Samui worth visiting. It neighbors Koh Taen, which we’ve just talked about. The island is easily accessible from Koh Samui via a boat ride, so it’s perfect if you’re planning to go island hopping.
Many of the people who’ve been here consider it one of the best-kept secrets of the Samui Archipelago.
Koh Madsums is quiet and unspoiled, and has a rocky coast. It’s also known as the Pig Island, because its beaches are roamed by the cutest pigs! Pretty crazy right?
It’s a lot of fun to play with them, but please respect the animals while on the island. These aren’t wild pigs (or boars, as some people say) – they belong to the local restaurant’s owner.
Don’t touch them unless the owner tells you it’s ok to do so, and don’t feed them your own food, as it could be bad for the pigs.
Aside from these peculiar inhabitants, one other thing that Koh Madsum is famous for is its snorkeling opportunities. The island’s other nickname is Coral Island for a reason! Its abundant coral reef system and colorful schools of fish are a treat to the eyes.
On the beach, you’ll find a restaurant and a kayak rental as well. So you see, everything you could need for a successful day trip is covered in this island!
➤ To get from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum on your own, find your way to the fishing village of Thong Krut (the same spot for heading to Koh Taen). At the pier, look for the longtail boat that will take you there. Negotiate directly with the owner, the trip shouldn’t cost more than 1500-2000 baht at the most.
▶️ Another option is to join the Pig Island Private Longtail Boat Trip From Koh Samui. You’ll enjoy some snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, and free time to relax on the beach, rent kayaks, and hang out with the pigs. The tour accommodates up to eight passengers, and you can opt to include hotel transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
And there you go! Hopefully, this guide will be useful to help you organize your trip to Koh Samui. Let me know in the comments if you go on one of these adventures, or if you have any questions. Bon voyage!
