Gulf islands: Koh Samui & Koh Tao · 8 days
8 days, 7 nights: Koh Samui (4N), Koh Tao (3N). Best time to go: Best Jan–Aug; avoid Oct–Dec rains.
Day 1: Arrive in Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Day 2: Explore Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Day 3: Ang Thong National Marine Park day trip
Koh Samui
- Ang Thong National Marine Park day trip · 9 h. Includes kayaking and the climb to the Emerald Lake viewpoint; trips are often cancelled in Nov–Dec seas.
Local tip: Includes kayaking and the climb to the Emerald Lake viewpoint; trips are often cancelled in Nov–Dec seas.
Day 4: Explore Koh Samui
Koh Samui
- Fisherman's Village walking street, Bophut · 2.5 h. The Friday walking street is the busiest night.
- Chaweng beach day · 3 h
Local tip: The Friday walking street is the busiest night.
Day 5: Koh Samui → Koh Tao
Koh Tao · Koh Samui to Koh Tao, Catamaran or speedboat ~1.5–2h
- Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint & snorkel · 4 h. Taxi boats leave from Sairee and Mae Haad; island entry fee payable on arrival and no plastic bottles allowed.
Local tip: Taxi boats leave from Sairee and Mae Haad; island entry fee payable on arrival and no plastic bottles allowed.
Day 6: Explore Koh Tao
Koh Tao
Day 7: Round-island snorkel boat (Shark Bay, Aow Leuk, Mango Bay)
Koh Tao
Day 8: Depart from Koh Tao
Koh Tao
- John-Suwan viewpoint · 1.5 h. Short but steep rocky scramble near Chalok; wear proper shoes.
Local tip: Short but steep rocky scramble near Chalok; wear proper shoes.
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Koh Samui (4 nights): Chaweng. Main beach with restaurants and nightlife; 15 min from the airport.
- Koh Tao (3 nights): Mae Haad / Chalok Baan Kao. Near the ferry pier or a calm southern bay.