Koh Samui’s Gulf of Thailand location makes it the jump-off point for three nearby islands and one world-class marine park. Within 30 minutes by speedboat you can reach Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party or quiet north-coast beaches, and Koh Tao for some of Thailand’s best beginner diving. Ang Thong Marine Park, a 42-island archipelago of limestone karsts and hidden lagoons, is Koh Samui’s signature day trip. This guide covers the best day trips from Koh Samui with boat times, prices, and what each destination delivers.
Day Trips from Koh Samui: Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Travel time: 45 minutes by speedboat from Nathon Pier or Maenam Pier.
- Best for: Sea kayaking through limestone caves and tunnels, the Emerald Lake (Thale Nai) viewpoint climb, and snorkelling at Koh Wao’s coral gardens.
- Tour prices: 2,200 to 3,000 THB (US$60-82) including hotel transfer, speedboat, kayaking equipment, snorkelling gear, lunch, and national park fee (300 THB). Premium small-group tours with Blue Stars or 100 Degrees East run 3,500 to 4,500 THB with groups of 15 to 20.
- Seasonal: The park closes annually November 1 to approximately December 15 for monsoon season. No tours operate during closure.
- Fitness note: The Emerald Lake viewpoint climb is 400 metres of steep stairs. The alternative viewpoint on Koh Wua Ta Lap (500 metres, 30-40 minutes) delivers a 360-degree panorama of the entire archipelago and is worth the extra effort.
Day Trips from Koh Samui: Koh Phangan
- Travel time: 30 minutes by ferry from Bang Rak Pier or Maenam Pier (300-400 THB one way, departures every 1-2 hours from 7:00 to 17:00). Speedboat: 20 minutes, 500 THB.
- Best for: The Full Moon Party at Haad Rin (monthly, night of the full moon, 20,000-30,000 people, free entry), north-coast beaches (Bottle Beach, Haad Yao, Mae Haad) which are far quieter than Samui’s, and the 630-metre Khao Ra peak hike.
- Full Moon Party logistics: Speedboat shuttles run from Samui on party nights from 18:00 to 03:00 at 800 THB round trip. Book through any travel agent. The last return boat leaves Haad Rin at 03:30; if you miss it, morning ferries start at 7:00. Party entry wristbands cost 200 THB. Accommodation on Phangan for full moon books 2 to 4 weeks ahead.
- Non-party Phangan: The north coast around Chaloklum and Mae Haad has the island’s best swimming and snorkelling. Koh Ma, a small island connected to Mae Haad Beach by a sandbar at low tide, has the best accessible coral on Phangan with angelfish, butterflyfish, and occasional sea turtles in 3 metres of water. The last ferry back to Samui departs at 17:30; check times as they change seasonally.
Day Trips from Koh Samui: Koh Tao Snorkelling and Diving
- Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours by ferry from Maenam Pier (600 THB one way, departures at 8:00, 12:30, and 17:30 via Lomprayah). Speedboat day-trip tours run 1 hour each way.
- Best for: Thailand’s highest concentration of dive sites for beginners, with 15-plus spots in 5 to 18 metres of water. Snorkellers can access Shark Bay, Mango Bay, and Ao Leuk for coral and reef fish directly from shore.
- Tour prices: Snorkelling day trip from Samui: 2,500 to 3,500 THB (US$68-96) including hotel transfer, speedboat, snorkelling gear, lunch, and stops at 3 to 4 bays. Diving day trip: 5,000 to 6,500 THB for two dives including equipment.
- Seasonal note: November and December bring the roughest sea conditions; visibility drops from 20 metres (February to October) to 5 to 10 metres. The best visibility window is March to May and July to September.
