Other Islands near Koh Samui

Koh Taen and Koh Mudsum

Located a short boat ride from Samui's south coast, these two small islands often come together as a package (with either fishing or snorkelling thrown in) offered as a daytrip by local tour companies and individuals. Koh Mudsum is basically one long beach that is unfortunately rather dirty in places. There's also a dead reef directly off shore, which makes swimming tricky, and a pearl farm that's open to visitors.

Rather more interesting, Koh Taen has bungalow accommodation, a couple of restaurants and a wooden walkway through a mangrove swamp. The Koh Taen Conservation Society, has erected helpful blue signs identifying plants and buildings of historical interest. The island is home to several families of Muslim fishermen who are slowly abandoning their villages in search of better opportunities elsewhere.

Local folklore also notes that there are no dogs on Koh Taen, and that any dog setting paw on the island will die. Some people ascribe this to an ancient curse, but it may be that the high-pitched emissions from the thousands of bats living in the island's caves are too much for canines to bear.  The most likely explanation, however, is simply that the Muslim inhabitants won't allow dogs on their island. Thong Krut is the best place from which to charter a boat to get to the islands. Alternatively, most tour companies will offer trips.