Koh Samui is the perfect base for island hopping, with the calm southern islands, the dramatic Ang Thong National Marine Park, the dive waters of Koh Tao, and lively Koh Phangan all reachable as day trips. This guide covers the islands worth visiting, how to reach each one, and how to choose between a group tour and a private charter.
Quick answer: The best islands to hop from Koh Samui are Koh Mad Sum (Pig Island) and Koh Taen to the south, Ang Thong National Marine Park to the north-west, and Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Phangan to the north. You can join a scheduled group day tour from 2,200 THB per person, take a small-group boutique trip at 5,450 THB per person, or charter a private boat from 10,000 THB. The southern islands suit a longtail, while the further islands are better reached by speedboat or yacht.
- Koh Mad Sum (Pig Island) and Koh Taen: calm southern islands, best by longtail.
- Ang Thong National Marine Park: 42 islands and dramatic scenery, a full-day trip.
- Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: the area's best snorkelling and diving.
- Koh Phangan: quiet beaches by day, the Full Moon Party by night.
- Group tours from 2,200 THB; private charters from 10,000 THB.
The best islands to hop from Koh Samui
Koh Mad Sum (Pig Island) and Koh Taen
The southern islands are the closest and calmest, and the easiest half-day trip from Koh Samui. Koh Mad Sum is known as Pig Island for its friendly beach pigs, while neighbouring Koh Taen has clear water for snorkelling. These islands are best explored on a private luxury longtail, which is built for these short, sheltered crossings.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong is the most spectacular day trip from Koh Samui, an archipelago of 42 limestone islands with the famous Emerald Lake viewpoint, sea caves and kayaking. It sits further out, so it is a full-day trip by speedboat or yacht. Read our complete guide to Ang Thong for the itinerary, the viewpoint hike and what to bring, or book a private Ang Thong tour.
Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Tao and the linked sandbar of Koh Nang Yuan offer the best snorkelling and diving water in the area. They sit further to the north and are reached by speedboat. See our guide to the best snorkelling spots around Koh Samui, or browse Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan tours.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is Samui's larger neighbour, with quiet beaches by day and the famous monthly Full Moon Party by night. Our guide compares the group and private ways to reach the Full Moon Party.
How to choose your boat
The right boat depends on which islands you want and how far you are going. The southern islands suit a calm longtail, while the further islands need a faster speedboat or a yacht. Our full guide on how to choose a boat trip in Koh Samui compares longtails, speedboats, catamarans and yachts with prices.
Group tour or private charter?
You can island hop three ways. A scheduled group day tour from 2,200 THB per person is the most affordable and joins a wider group. A small-group boutique tour at 5,450 THB per person keeps numbers low. A private charter from 10,000 THB gives you the whole boat and a day shaped around you. Browse every option in our ocean tours and boat trips, or see the signature luxury longtail experiences.
Best time for island hopping
December to August offers the best conditions, with the calmest seas and clearest water from December to March. October and November bring the monsoon and rougher water, with occasional closures at Ang Thong. We always advise on conditions when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best island to visit from Koh Samui?
For dramatic scenery, Ang Thong National Marine Park is the standout day trip. For a short, easy half day, Koh Mad Sum (Pig Island) and Koh Taen are the closest and calmest islands.
How do I get to Pig Island from Koh Samui?
Koh Mad Sum, known as Pig Island, is reached by a private luxury longtail charter from 10,000 THB for a half day. The crossing is short and the trip is usually combined with Koh Taen for snorkelling.
Can you visit Ang Thong as a day trip from Koh Samui?
Yes. Ang Thong is a full-day trip, about an hour each way by speedboat. You can join a group tour from 2,200 THB per person or charter privately from 35,000 THB.
Is island hopping better by group tour or private boat?
A group tour is the most affordable, from 2,200 THB per person on a set itinerary. A private charter, from 10,000 THB, gives you the whole boat and a flexible day. A small-group boutique tour at 5,450 THB per person sits between the two.
What is the best time of year for island hopping in Koh Samui?
December to August has the best conditions, with the calmest seas from December to March. October and November can bring rough water and occasional closures because of the monsoon.
About Paradise Travel and Tours
We are a small, Koh Samui-based team arranging island-hopping day trips, private charters and bespoke days on the water across the island and its surrounding archipelago. We match the right boat and route to your group, and look after the whole arrangement. Start with our ocean tours and boat trips.
TAT Licence: 43/01405 | Website: www.paradisetravelandtours.co
Reviewed June 2026. Prices are a guide and are confirmed at the time of booking.