Top 11 Day Trips From Ko Samui, Thailand - Updated 2024

day trips from koh samui
Sangay
Sangay 
Updated
| 4 min read

Ko Samui is a small island located offshore in the Gulf of Thailand and about an hour and 30 minutes from Surat Thani, south of Thailand. It is one of the best destinations in Thailand and features clean beaches and crystal clear water. Most tourists visit the island for its tranquil ambience and pristine nature. Koh Samui Island also offers luxury villas and, for family getaways, luxurious family resorts. Ko Samui has a tropical monsoon climate, making it warm and humid throughout the year. The highest temperature, on average, is 36.5°C (97.7°F) and the lowest is 18.6°C (65.5°F). It is a great place to relax by the beach and enjoy nature. During the winter, it is mostly crowded with tourists from all over the world, yet there are many places to travel from Ko Samui. So, let us look at a list of top day trips from Ko Samui, Thailand.

1. Koh Taen

Ko Tan, Samui, 2014, february - panoramio (5)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Roma Neus used under CC BY 3.0

Koh Taen is a small island located south of Koh Samui, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Snorkeling is the best way to explore the island, as the surrounding waters teem with colorful marine life. You can also take a leisurely walk along the beach or hike up to the island’s viewpoints to enjoy the stunning panoramic sea views.

There are also local restaurants on the island where you can sample authentic Thai cuisine, visit the small fishing village, and learn about the local culture.

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2. Surat Thani

Bottle Beach
Source: Photo by user Christian Haugen used under CC BY 2.0

Surat Thani is the largest province in the southern part of Thailand and it connects to many islands offshore. It’s divided into 19 different districts, including Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Koh Tao, and Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park. Surat Thani is rich in its history and features historical landmarks, like Wat Kaew, the Pagoda of Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, and the City Pillar Shrine. It is an ideal trip away from the beach if you’re looking to indulge in sightseeing during your visit to Koh Samui.

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3. Koh Nang Yuan (from USD 23.0)

Tourists travelling to Koh Samui can make the most of their getaway by visiting a unique island located near Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan. This small island features a wonderful picturesque view of a lustrous island with rocks and white beaches. It is well preserved and maintained for tourists with a restriction on plastic bottles and a fee to visit the island. It is an ideal day trip from Ko Samui or Koh Phangan, as the island closes at 5 pm.

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Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen

Duration: 7 hours

112 reviews

4. Tai Rom Yen National Park

125 Kamin Cave - 02 Cave Entrance
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Puisupaporn used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Tai Romyen National Park is located in the east of Surat Thani Province. The park is covered with nature. You can explore the Kathun Reservoir and viewpoints. Also, if you are interested in exploring the hidden gem of the park, you have to visit Khamin Cave for an amazing experience. The park also features several waterfalls, including Dat Fa waterfall that features fresh water and a quiet environment. Most of the people visit the park to spend their time in nature and camp in the woods.

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5. Ko Wua Ta Lap (from USD 112.0)

Be sure to include visiting Ko Wua Ta Lap in your to-do list when in Koh Samui. One of the smallest islands in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, it serves as a viewpoint to witness the gorgeous sunset over Ang Thong National Marine Park. You can also stay overnight at their beautiful villas or simply camp on the serene island. It will provide you with an experience you have never had before.

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Angthong Marine Park Semi-Private Sunset Tour

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

578 reviews

6. Koh Tao (from USD 65.0)

Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is one of the spectacular islands of Surat Thani Province. The island is home to a magnificent coral reef and sea creatures, including turtles. It is isolated from Ko Samui towards the north and features amazing beaches, like Sairee Beach and Freedom Beach.

The popularity of the island has been growing progressively and tourists from all over the world visit the island for surfing, snorkelling, diving, and getting tanned by the radiant sun. It is a marvellous tropical paradise destination and the entertainment never ends on the island.

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Dual Island Exploration off Samui

Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes

20 reviews

7. Koh Phangan (from USD 12.0)

Koh Phangan is about 30-minute trip from Ko Samui on a ferry. It is a small island, filled with tropical nature and clear beaches. It is a wonderful place to explore nature by visiting the viewpoints, waterfalls, and beaches, surfing the amazing waves, and snorkelling and scuba diving in the deep sea. The island lights up at night with parties, where you can simply enjoy the music by the beach.

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Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Seatran Discovery Ferry

Duration: 45 minutes

10 reviews

8. Koh Mudsum (from USD 73.0)

Located in the south of Ko Samui, Koh Mudsum is a tiny island which serves as a great place for a romantic getaway. It is less crowded than other spots in the area, with great things to do and see. People also visit the island to explore nature and experience the underwater world through snorkelling. Often, people spend their time kayaking around the island and riding on scooters to get to the beach. Koh Mudsum is also known for its beautiful beachfront villa called the Treasure Koh Mudsum. This place is worth spending your time and money.

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Koh Rap, Koh Taen Snorkeling, kayaking, Pig & Deer Feeding - Semi-Private Tour

Duration: 6 hours

26 reviews

9. Sikiet Waterfall National Park (from USD 29.0)

Sikiet Waterfall National Park is located in the green surroundings of the Sichon district of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The park features magnificent limestone mountains with unique waterfalls and a flowing river which divides Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani Province. It was opened to the public so everyone could experience the fantastic forest, featuring different species of flora and fauna. Among its rich biodiversity, people often visit the eerie yet alluring caves. It is an exceptionally great place to be around nature.

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Koh Samui to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport by Seatran Discovery Ferry and Minivan

Duration: 210 to 240 minutes

10. Ang Thong National Marine Park (from USD 60.0)

ang thong national marine park
Source: www.viator.com

Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the national parks located in the Gulf of Thailand and it is a part of Surat Thani Province. It covers 42 different islands and serves as a great place for people to explore the islands. The islands feature rich marine life, lakes, beaches, limestone mountains, and dense forest. There are many things to do here, like snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving, and hiking.

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Ang Thong Islands by Speedboat Including Lunch from Koh Samui

Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes

11 reviews

11. Koh Taen (from USD 44.0)

koh taen
Source: www.viator.com

Koh Taen is another amazing island, quite a lot bigger in size than Koh Mudsum, and it is located about 3.6 km (2.2 miles) from Koh Mudsum. It is an isolated island, covered with a rich mangrove forest and hills. The beaches are clean and crystal clear. Koh Taen has a rich coral reef and different sea creatures, making it a great opportunity to have a lovely snorkelling adventure.

This is the best place to take some awesome photos and pictures of the beach and white sandy shore. If you are planning to visit Koh Taen, do take your cameras and drones to capture your paradise moments.

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Koh Tan Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes

Have the best island-hopping experience in Thailand!

Koh Samui, Thailand
Source: Photo by user Addy Cameron-Huff used under CC BY 2.0

People often tend to stay on an island for their entire holiday and spend quality time at the beach, relaxing with their loved ones and exploring the entire island. But others will take the opportunity to visit nearby islands with their gear to marvel at the underwater world. So, if you are interested in checking out the stunning islands near Ko Samui, you can easily plan day trips to the islands and discover their splendid gems.

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Frequently asked questions about day trips from Koh Samui, Thailand


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Sangay, hailing from Bhutan, is an avid traveler with a deep-seated desire to explore the world. Once she embarked on her journey, she never looked back. Traveling has transformed her into a new...Read more

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