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Best Day trips from Koh Samui

On the eastern coast of Thailand, you’ll find Koh Samui, Thailand’s largest island. Best known for lush rainforests against sandy beaches and luxury resorts, Koh Samui is gaining popularity on other Thailand beach destinations.

This 230 square-kilometer island offers plenty of tourist activities, but you might also want to take a few day trips from Koh Samui while you’re there. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular day trips from Koh Samui.

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Ang Thong National Marine Park

Just a couple of hours by boat from Koh Samui, Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the most popular day trips from Koh Samui. The park includes 42 islands with towering limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, caves, lagoons and waterfalls.

There are many tour operators waiting to take you to Ang Thong and most of them include snorkeling, gear rental, lunch, park admission and hotel transfers. Options will vary based on your budget.

You can choose from a huge passenger ferry to a private luxury yacht. At Ang Thong, you can’t miss Emerald Lake, an inland saltwater lagoon.

Fans of the Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Beach” might recognize this spot. If you want to make this more than a day trip, you can even came at Ang Thong.

Tents and bungalows are available to rent at the National Park Headquarters on Wua Talap Island.

Day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park

Podium viewpoint on peak mountain at Ko Wua Ta Lap island and high angle view beautiful nature landscape of island and sea in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, Surat Thani, Thailand

Koh Phangan

Much closer to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan is another great day trip destination. Just 20 minutes by speedboat, Koh Phangan is famous for monthly full moon parties that last until morning.

If all-night beach parties aren’t your speed, you’ll still find things to do in Koh Phangan on your day trip from Koh Samui.

Similar to the Ang Thong day trips from Koh Samui, you can also book a day trip to Koh Phangan for snorkeling or kayaking.

Day trips to Koh Phangan

Two lovers hold their hand walking to the beach during sunset Koh Nangyaun small island near Koh Tao Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

Koh Tao

Divers visiting Koh Samui might want to book a day trip to Koh Tao. Koh Tao can be reached in less than two hours from Koh Samui, and is a unique Thailand destination. Koh Tao has an amazing assortment of marine life, and is a breeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles.

This make Koh Tao a popular diving destination. You might also notice a large expat population on this tiny island, meaning you’ll find lots of things to do on Koh Tao. For a small island, there’s a pretty large choice of restaurants and nightlife.

Day trips to Koh Tao 

Koh NangYuan Island off of Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Nang Yuan

Not far from Koh Tao is Koh Nang Yuan, another tropical paradise in Thailand. From Koh Tao, you can hop a longtail boat and you’ll be on Koh Nang Yuan in about 20 minutes.

Snorkeling tours from Koh Tao are pretty popular, and similar to other Thailand island tours which include your snorkel gear, meals and transportation. There is just one resort in Koh Nang Yuan, but the popularity of day trips can still cause crowds on the beach.

There are some hiking trails on the island which take you up to scenic viewpoints, but like most Thailand island destinations, the beach and water are the main attraction on Koh Nang Yuan.

Day trips to Koh Nang Yuan

Nang yuan island option for travel koh samui koh tao koh Pangan tranportation by speed boat blue sea rock and place for diving in Thailand

Koh Taen and Koh Mudsum

Yet another day trip destination from Koh Samui is to visit Koh Taen and Koh Mudsum. These two islands are slightly less crowded than other Koh Samui day trip destinations because they aren’t as well known.

They are about 30 minutes from Koh Samui by longtail boat and offer the usualy Thailand beach amenities. There is one resort, and kayak rental available.

heading to island from koh samui to koh nangyuan island

Other Koh Samui day trips you might take will not involve a destination, rather an activity. There are many opportunities to join a day trip for snorkeling, sailing, diving, or kayaking in Koh Samui.

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Best Day trips from Koh Samui
Best Day trips from Koh Samui
Best Day trips from Koh Samui

Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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