You are organizing a stay in the Gulf of Thailand and you are wondering which are the most beautiful islands around Koh Samui. Indeed, the Gulf of Thailand also called Gulf of Siam has some of the most beautiful paradise islands of thailand. These islands are known for their white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush green jungles.
So, if you are going to spend holidays in koh samui, it is interesting to explore the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
Indeed, from Koh Samui, most of these islands can be reached in less than two hours by ferry or fast boat. These dream islands around Koh Samui are therefore ideal destinations for a day trip!
Discover below the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand and how to get there from Koh Samui.
The islands around Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand's 3rd largest island. It is surrounded by more than 80 islands and islets, 42 of which are part of Ang Thong National Park (Koh Wua Talap, Koh Mae, Koh Sam Sao, Ko Kha, Ko Pae Yat, Ko Chang Som, Ko Wua Kantang, Ko Phra, Ko Lae, etc.).
In addition to these 42 islands in the Park, the main islands around Koh Samui (the best known) are the following:
- Koh Phangan
- Koh Tao
- Koh Taen (or Koh Tan)
- Koh mudsum
- Koh Thalu
- Koh nang yuan
- Koh Phaluai
- Koh Som
- Ko Wua Chio
- Ko Chueak Noi
- Koh Rap
- Koh Wau Te
- Koh Wang Nai
- Koh Wang Nok
- Koh Mat Daeng
With such a large archipelago, it's complicated to know which are the most beautiful islands to visit around Koh Samui.
Map of the islands around Koh Samui
To get an idea of the distances and their location, here is a Google Maps map that shows where the islands around Koh Samui are:
Most beautiful islands around Koh Samui to visit in 1 day
Among all these islands of the archipelago of the Gulf of Thailand, here are the most beautiful islands around Koh Samui to explore in 1 day :
- Ang Thong Park Islands: Koh Wua Talap and Koh Mae
- Koh Tao
- Koh nang yuan
- Koh Taen (or Koh Tan)
- Koh Madsum (or Pig Island)
- Koh Phangan
To get there or explore them in one day, see the explanations below for each of the most beautiful islands near Koh Samui:
Most beautiful islands around Koh Samui – Ang Thong National Park
Covering an area of 102 km2, the Ang Thong Marine Park is a nature reserve located 30 km northwest of Koh Samui, around 1 hour by boat.
In this park, which has more than 42 islands, most of which are uninhabited, generally, on an excursion, you only visit 2 islands:
- Koh Wua Talab
- Koh Mae
To explore this park and these two islands from Koh Samui, you will have to go through an agency that organizes the excursion which is done in one day. Often you will have the choice between a fast boat crossing or a slower boat crossing.
All agencies offer more or less the same itinerary for visiting Ang Thong Park:
- Crossing of about 1 hour;
- Stop at Koh Mae to discover the breathtaking view of Emerald Lake, a saltwater lagoon in the middle of the island surrounded by cliffs;
- Stop at Koh Wua Talab to climb to the viewpoint over the entire National Park;
- Navigation around the small islands of the reserve (possibility to rent a kayak);
- Stop on a deserted beach for an aperitif or snorkeling;
- Koh Phaluai to have lunch in a Thai restaurant;
- Free time on a beach for swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing;
- Return to Koh Samui around 16:30 p.m. / 17 p.m.
Most beautiful island near Koh Samui – Ko Tao
Koh Tao, known as Turtle Island, is a paradise island considered to be the best diving spot in the entire Gulf of Thailand. Turtles, stingrays, sharks, barracudas, multicolored fish and splendid corals delight divers who come to Ko Tao. But diving and snorkeling are not the only assets of this island.
Indeed, Koh Tao also has beautiful postcard beaches like Sai Nuan Beach and Sairee Beach and amazing mountainside accommodations with sea views.
To go to Koh Tao from Koh Samui, you can take a ferry or a speed boat. Depending on the type of boat, the journey takes between 1h30 and 2 hours. You have to board from Nathon Pier or Maenam Pier. See link for crossing reservation: 12go.asia
Most beautiful islands around Koh Samui – Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan is a small island connected by a sandbar located about 800 meters off the northwest coast of Koh Tao. In fact, Koh Nang Yuan consists of 3 small islands. They are linked together by a superb elongated beach which becomes completely submerged at high tide.
These 3 islands are ideal for a half-day or full-day getaway from Koh Tao.
Most beautiful islands around Koh Samui – Koh Taen
Koh Taen or Ko Tan is another small paradise island. It is right next to Koh Samui. Indeed, it only takes 15 minutes to cross to get there from Thong Krut in the south of Koh Samui.
Going to Koh Tan means discovering a very wild island, with unspoiled nature, a beautiful mangrove, magnificent beaches, seabed with multicolored fish and mangroves!
It is possible to visit Koh Taen on your own. To do this, you have to go to the small fishing port of Thong Krut and ask one of the small restaurants to organize the excursion or the crossing for you.
Otherwise, many agencies on the internet or in Koh Samui offer a day trip to Koh Tan + Koh Mudsum (neighboring island). This excursion generally includes snorkeling or water activities, sometimes a stroll along to see the mangroves and a visit to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Koh Mudsum (Koh Madsum) or Pig Island
Koh Madsum or Pig Island is a very beautiful island very close to Koh Samui just south of Koh Taen. It is usually part of the day trip program with Koh Taen.
It is world famous for the wild pigs that roam the beach. This gives improbable photos and memories that you will never forget!
Koh Phangan (Ko Pha Ngan) to party
Koh Phangan is one of the most popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It has become very famous for its full moon parties which attracts many young people from all over the world.
But it's not just parties and wild parties in Koh Phangan. Indeed, this large island has beautiful beaches with crystal clear, turquoise waters and pristine white sand (Haad Rin Beach and Thong Nai Pan). You can also explore its lush jungles and waterfalls.
To get to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui, you can take a ferry from Nathon Pier or Maenam Pier. The trip by ferry or speedboat takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the mode of transport chosen.
See link for crossing reservation: 12go.asia
See also: How to visit Bangkok in 1 day