Ko Samui, Phangan and Tao are islands located close by to each other in the gulf of Thailand. People often visit all three or at least two of these islands during their trip to Thailand, which is a great idea because they all offer something different.
From visiting the biggest island of Samui and exploring the National Marine Park close by, to having the best party of your life during a full moon in Koh Phangan, to diving and snorkeling around one of the most beautiful islands in the entire world in Koh Tao, in this post , I’ll share the top places to visit, the best things to do and important tips to know for an unforgettable travel experience.
Have you considered visiting Samui, Phangan, Tao or all of them? Keep reading to find out if you should!
How to get there
I recommend flying directly to Koh Samui. Samui’s airport is one of the most beautiful I’ve been to worldwide. It’s a cute little airport with an outdoor design, creating a great first impression of this tropical paradise as you arrive.
If you’re on a budget, you can also arrive in Samui by ferry, but you won’t save that much money in the end, and it will take a lot longer to get to the ferry port in the first place. There’s a train from Bangkok that you can take, but again, just fly directly if possible.
Best things to do in Koh Samui
From what I’ve heard when people mention Samui, it’s even a little bit underrated because people get a wrong impression after only staying a night or two in the most popular area of Chaweng beach. This area is good for a couple of days, since everything is close by and most of the nightlife is here. Just make sure you do day trips around the island so that you get to know what Koh Samui is really like.
Here are my recommendations for things to do and places to visit in Koh Samui.
Number 1. Hire a motorbike to explore the island. Renting a motorbike is a popular and convenient way to navigate Koh Samui, allowing you to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems at your own pace. Cruise along scenic coastal roads, wind through lush jungles, and stop at viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas. Just remember to wear a helmet, drive carefully, and be mindful of local traffic rules for a safe and thrilling adventure on the beautiful island of Koh Samui.
Number 2. Discover the Big Buddha Temple: Visit Wat Phra Yai, commonly known as the Big Buddha Temple, and marvel at the majestic 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue. This iconic landmark is perched atop a small island off the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, which is connected by a bridge, and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Number 3. Explore the Fisherman’s Village: Immerse yourself in the local culture by strolling through the charming Fisherman’s Village. Discover boutique shops, art galleries, and an array of restaurants serving both Thai and international cuisine. On Friday evenings, the village comes alive with its popular walking street market, where you can shop for souvenirs and savor mouth watering street food.
Number 4. Visit Angthong Marine Park: Do a day trip to Angthong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands known for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine waters. Take a boat tour to explore hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches, and lush jungles. Snorkel, kayak, and hike to discover the stunning beauty of this protected marine park.
Number 5. Experience the Magic of Namuang Waterfall: Venture into the heart of Koh Samui’s lush interior to find the stunning Namuang Waterfall. Hike through the tropical rainforest and be rewarded with the sight of the cascading falls and refreshing natural pools, where you can take a dip and cool off with stunning views of Samui.
Number 6. Enjoy the Vibrant Nightlife: As the sun sets, Koh Samui comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. Head to Chaweng or Lamai Beach for a myriad of bars, clubs, and beach parties. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed evening at Fisherman’s Village or one of the island’s many beachfront bars, where you can unwind with a refreshing cocktail under the stars.
Koh Samui’s diverse offerings make it a dream destination for every type of traveler. Whether you seek relaxation on stunning beaches, cultural exploration, thrilling adventures, or vibrant nightlife, Koh Samui has something to satisfy your wanderlust.
I would recommend at least 3 days in Samui, but you can easily spend longer times here. Spending your full holiday here is completely fine if moving around is not your thing, and you want to just relax.
Chaweng and Lamai are the most popular areas to stay at, with Chaweng being the major tourist spot. Both have quite a bit of nightlife, so if that’s not your thing, I would recommend my favorite area, which is north east, close to Choeng Mon Beach. It’s a more relaxed place, but still close to all the action.
Best things to do in Koh Phangan
As I mentioned in the beginning, many choose to visit at least two of the three islands. Koh Phangan is just a quick ferry or speedboat trip away from Samui. It’s most known for the famous full moon parties, which people come to attend from all around the world. The fullmoon party is definitely worth experiencing at least once, but besides that, Koh Phangan has more to offer as well. It’s a relatively large island, with the fullmoon party being held on a small area. People often just visit Koh Phangan for the party, but the island is actually also known for its wellness and spiritual side.
Besides the full moon party, here are our top recommendations for Koh Phangan:
Number 1. Explore the Pristine Beaches: Koh Phangan boasts an array of stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm. From the bustling Haad Rin Beach to the tranquil Bottle Beach, you’ll find the perfect spot to soak up the sun, swim in turquoise waters, and indulge in beachside massages and fresh seafood.
Number 2. Hire a scooter, and drive the fun jungle roads to viewpoint hikes. Bottle Beach Viewpoint is a pretty short hike away. Just be prepared to climb a few rocks at the end, and be careful as it’s quite high up in the air! The viewpoint is stunning and definitely one of the better things to do in Koh Phangan.
While you’re up north of the island to visit the Bottle Beach viewpoint, visit the Thong Nai Pan Noi beach, which in my opinion is on of the best beaches on the island. The small town right next to the beach has a super nice vibe too.
Number 3. Experience the Thong Sala Night Market: Experience the main local market on the island. Open every Saturday afternoon and night, this bustling market offers a variety of street food, handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Sample authentic Thai dishes and shop for souvenirs to take home with you.
Number 4. Snorkel and Dive in Koh Phangan’s Waters. Now, Koh Tao is the best place for Snorkeling and Diving, which we’ll get to soon, but Koh Phangan is a great place for it too. Explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs surrounding the island with snorkeling and diving trips. Koh Ma, a small island right off the coast of Koh Phangan in the north west, offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities and crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish.
Number 5. Attend a Yoga or Wellness Retreat: Koh Phangan is also renowned for its wellness and yoga scene. Unwind and rejuvenate your mind and body with a yoga class or retreat at one of the island’s tranquil wellness centers, where you can immerse yourself in a serene and calming environment.
Koh Phangan’s diverse offerings extend beyond the Full Moon Party, inviting visitors to embrace its natural beauty, cultural treasures, and a laid-back island atmosphere. Whether you seek beach parties, breathtaking landscapes, spiritual experiences, or simply a chance to unwind, Koh Phangan promises an unforgettable journey of discovery and adventure.
Best things to do in Koh Tao
Koh Tao. The smallest of these three islands. Koh Tao is a little bit further away from Samui and Pangan, but definitely still worth the boat trip there!
Koh Tao, a diver’s paradise and one of the world’s top destinations for scuba diving. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral reefs, Koh Tao offers an unparalleled underwater experience for divers of all levels.
Here’s my top five things to know about diving in Koh Tao.
Learn to Dive in Koh Tao: Koh Tao is renowned for its exceptional dive schools that cater to beginners and experienced divers alike. If you’ve never tried scuba diving before, this is the perfect place to take your first plunge. Enroll in a certified diving course, where expert instructors will guide you through the basics and help you become a confident and responsible diver.
Explore the Underwater World: Once you’re certified, it’s time to explore the magnificent dive sites surrounding Koh Tao. Sail to locations close by like Southwest Pinnacle, Sail Rock, and Shark Island, where you can encounter schools of colorful fish, majestic turtles, and even the occasional whale shark or bull shark. The rich biodiversity and healthy coral formations make each dive an awe-inspiring adventure.
Night Diving: Dive into the magic of the night and experience a whole new underwater world. Night diving in Koh Tao offers a unique opportunity to witness nocturnal marine creatures in action. Spot fascinating critters like cuttlefish, squid, and shrimp as they come alive under the cover of darkness.
Advanced Diving: Experienced divers will find Koh Tao equally captivating. The island offers a variety of advanced dive sites, such as the challenging and thrilling vertical swim-throughs at the aptly named “Green Rock.” Dive deep into the waters to explore the underwater caves and pinnacles, or take part in wreck dives to discover sunken treasures beneath the surface.
Conservation Efforts: Koh Tao is committed to marine conservation, and many dive centers actively participate in conservation initiatives and projects. Get involved in coral reef restoration programs, beach clean-ups, and other sustainable practices to help preserve the island’s fragile marine ecosystem for future generations.
Koh Tao’s underwater world is a mesmerizing blend of vibrant colors and marine marvels, creating an extraordinary and unforgettable experience for diving enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner eager to embark on your diving journey or an experienced diver seeking new depths to explore, Koh Tao’s thriving marine life and breathtaking dive sites will captivate you with the beauty of nature beneath the waves. Prepare to be amazed by the kaleidoscope of marine wonders that awaits you in this diving paradise.
While Koh Tao is famous for its exceptional diving opportunities, this tropical island offers all kinds of activities for all types of travelers. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Koh Tao has something to suit every interest and desire.
Here’s a few things you should consider doing while in Koh Tao.
Viewpoint Hikes. Koh Tao remains one of my favorite places to hike worldwide. For breathtaking panoramic views of Koh Tao’s coastline, embark on a hike to one of the island’s viewpoints. Trails lead to viewpoints like John-Suwan Viewpoint, Love Koh Tao Viewpoint, and a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Nang Yuan Island right next to Koh Tao. The hikes are not too challenging, but remember to wear good shoes and have water with you. Going early in the morning is a good idea when it’s not too hot yet.
Visit Nang Yuan Island: Just a short boat ride from Koh Tao, Nang Yuan Island is a picture-perfect paradise that consists of three small islands connected by sandy spits. Spend a day snorkeling, hiking to the viewpoint, and basking on the powdery white sand.
Enjoy the Sunset and Stargazing: Koh Tao offers spectacular sunset views that are not to be missed. Head to a beachfront bar or a scenic viewpoint to witness the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in a stunning display of colors. As the night falls, turn your eyes to the island’s clear nights for stargazing. Away from the city lights, Koh Tao provides an ideal spot to marvel at the twinkling stars and constellations, creating a magical and memorable experience under the night sky. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on the beach or lying back on a quiet stretch of sand, embracing the beauty of the sunset and the brilliance of the stars will undoubtedly be a highlight of your time in Koh Tao.
Lastly, enjoy Koh Tao’s beaches. They are stunning, and since the island is small, you can easily visit many to find your favorite. The atmosphere on Koh Tao is unique, it’s a small paradise island in the middle of the ocean. It feels like a different world which makes it one of my favorite locations in Thailand, and anywhere in the world.
After visiting many beautiful destinations around the globe, Koh Samui, Phangan and Tao remain high on my list of the best islands to visit. I even chose Koh Samui for my home base for quite a while, and might return there long term sometime in the future.
