Samui is the gateway to one of Thailand's most beautiful island clusters. World-class diving, an emerald-lagoon marine park, full-moon beaches and a swimming-pig island are all a short ferry away - easy day trips, or onward adventures.
Most island ferries leave Samui from Maenam (Lomprayah catamarans) and Bangrak / Big Buddha (Seatran Discovery). The high-speed boats run as a chain - Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui - so a Tao trip stops at Phangan en route. See Getting Here for operators.
Famous for the Haad Rin Full Moon Party - but far more than that. Quiet northern beaches, a serious yoga and wellness scene around Sri Thanu, jungle, waterfalls and laid-back bungalows. Doable as a day trip; better as an overnight (and essential if you're partying).
One of the cheapest places in the world to learn to scuba dive, with excellent snorkelling and a small, laid-back vibe. Day snorkelling trips run, but for diving - or a PADI course - stay 2+ nights. Catamarans from Mae Haad usually route via Phangan.
A protected archipelago of limestone islands with emerald lagoons, sea caves and the famous Emerald Lake viewpoint - the scenery that inspired The Beach. Reached by organised speedboat/boat day tours with kayaking, snorkelling and lunch. Best Dec-Apr. Family-friendly.
An iconic trio of tiny islands joined by a sandbar, with snorkelling either side and a short, steep viewpoint hike for the postcard panorama. Visit on a combined Koh Tao + Nang Yuan speedboat day tour from Samui, or while staying on Tao. Note the island entrance fee and plastic ban.
A pair of small islands off the south coast, perfect for an easy half-day. Koh Madsum's draw is its resident pigs that wander - and swim - on the beach; Koh Tan has coral reefs for snorkelling. Longtail or speedboat tours (~5 hours) leave from the Thong Krut / Bang Kao area with hotel pickup. Family-friendly.
| Island | Known for | From Samui | Stay or day-trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Phangan | Beaches, wellness, Full Moon Party | ~20-45 min catamaran | Either |
| Koh Tao | Diving & snorkelling | ~1.5-2 hr catamaran | Overnight (2+) |
| Ang Thong | Lagoons, viewpoint, kayaking | Day tour by boat | Day trip |
| Koh Nang Yuan | Sandbar & viewpoint | Via Koh Tao | Day trip |
| Pig Island / Koh Tan | Swimming pigs, snorkelling | ~30 min from south Samui | Half-day |
Ferry times and tour prices are seasonal and vary by operator - confirm before booking. The Gulf monsoon (Oct-Dec, worst in November) can mean rough crossings and cancellations, especially on the open-water Koh Tao leg.
Play padel in the mornings, island-hop on your rest days. Sort your courts and your stay, and the rest of the archipelago is yours to explore.