Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about booking private island tours and experiences with Paradise Travel and Tours in Koh Samui. If your question is not covered here, contact us by email or WhatsApp and we will be glad to help.

About Paradise Travel and Tours

Is Paradise Travel and Tours a licensed and insured tour operator?

Yes. Paradise Travel and Tours is licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand under licence 43/01405 and is a registered Thai company (registration 0845566000421). All guests are covered by passenger insurance with Tokio Marine. Licence, registration and insurance documents are available on request before booking.

What makes Paradise Travel and Tours different?

We are a boutique, locally run operator, and most of our trips are private and built around your group. We specialise in the quieter southern islands of Koh Samui by longtail boat, and we are licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and fully insured. From your first enquiry to the day itself, we keep the service personal.

Where do your tours depart from?

Departure points depend on the tour and are confirmed when you book. Southern island longtail trips leave from a pier on the south of Koh Samui, and Koh Tao snorkelling trips depart from Bangrak Pier on the north coast.

Private longtail and island trips

What is the private longtail boat tour, and which islands does it visit?

It is a private island-hopping trip aboard a longtail boat reserved for your group. The half-day trip visits Koh Madsum (Pig Island) and Koh Taen. The full-day trip adds Koh Rap, a quieter island further out. You have time to swim, snorkel, relax on the beaches and see the pigs on Koh Madsum.

What is the difference between the half-day and full-day longtail trip?

The half-day trip runs about four hours, morning (9am to 1pm) or afternoon (2pm to 6pm), and visits Koh Madsum and Koh Taen. The full-day trip runs from around 10am to sunset, adds Koh Rap, and includes lunch. The full day suits those who want a relaxed, unhurried pace.

Is the longtail trip private?

Yes. The boat is reserved for your group only, so you set the pace and are not sharing with other guests.

What is included on the longtail trip?

Your trip includes an experienced captain and guide, premium snorkelling equipment, life jackets, insurance, towels, water, soft drinks, fruit and snacks, and an icebox for your own drinks. Lunch is included on the full-day trip and is an optional extra on the half day. Small island fees apply and are paid locally.

Is the longtail trip suitable for families with young children?

Yes. The southern islands sit close to shore with calm, shallow water, which suits families. Children under four travel on a parent's lap, and parents remain responsible for children throughout the trip.

Other tours and experiences

Do you offer Ang Thong National Marine Park tours?

Yes. We offer Ang Thong as a full-day group speedboat tour, a boutique small-group tour, and a fully private tour, so you can choose between value, a smaller group, or complete privacy.

Do you offer Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan snorkelling trips?

Yes. We run Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan as a group speedboat trip, a boutique small-group trip, and a private speedboat charter. The trip departs from Bangrak Pier and takes around 90 minutes each way, with snorkelling at several reef sites.

Do you offer private fishing charters?

Yes. We arrange private fishing charters in the waters around Koh Samui for half or full days. Contact us with your group size and preferred date and we will arrange the details.

What land-based tours do you offer?

Our land tours include quad biking and waterfall trips (two and four hours), a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary, a jungle zipline experience, a private full-day island tour of Koh Samui's temples and viewpoints, and a private cultural tour.

Do you arrange private yacht charters?

Yes. We arrange private yacht and catamaran charters for the day, including trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park and the neighbouring islands. These are tailored to your group, so contact us for options and a quote.

Do you offer private chef and in-villa experiences?

Yes. We can arrange a private chef for a villa dinner, a private in-villa Thai cooking class, and private wellness experiences, each arranged to suit your villa, group and preferences.

Can you plan a bespoke itinerary or a corporate trip?

Yes. We design bespoke private itineraries and handle corporate retreats and group trips from end to end, including boats, activities, transfers and dining. Tell us your dates, group size and what you would like to do, and we will build the plan.

Booking, payment and logistics

How do I book a tour?

You can book through our website, by email, or by WhatsApp, or through an accredited travel agent. For private trips and bespoke itineraries, contacting us directly is usually best so we can tailor the details.

What are your payment and deposit terms?

A 50% deposit confirms your booking, with the remaining balance due no later than 48 hours before the trip. We accept bank transfer, Wise, and payment link (4% fee).

What is your cancellation and bad-weather policy?

If we cancel a trip because of unsafe weather, you receive a full refund or can reschedule. If you cancel within seven days of the trip date, the deposit is not refunded. In light rain without strong winds or high waves, trips usually go ahead.

How much do your tours cost?

Prices depend on the experience and your group size, and current prices are shown on each tour's page on our website. Private trips are priced per boat or per group, so larger groups often get better value per person.

Do you provide hotel transfers?

Transfers vary by tour. Some trips include accommodation transfers at pre-arranged pickup points, and private door-to-door transfers can usually be arranged for an extra cost. Transfer details are confirmed when you book.

What should I bring?

For boat trips we suggest swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sun cream, a light cover-up and a waterproof bag for your phone. We provide towels, drinking water and snorkelling equipment. For land tours, comfortable footwear and sun protection are ideal.