Other Islands near Koh Samui

For those in search of paradise. Surrounding Samui are enough islands to satisfy the most demanding travellers. Koh Pha Ngan, famed for it's unspoilt beaches and full moon parties,  Koh Tao, for those in search of more seclusion and the myriad islands in the Ang Thong National Park.  Beach hop, go sailing, scuba dive or simply chill...

Ang Thong 

Koh Tao 

Once the haunt of sea-turtles, this small island north of Koh Samui with its quiet undisturbed beaches has become a magnet for those who really want to get away from it all and for divers who come to view the colourful coral beds.

The basic bungalows of the past.have now been supplemented by new resorts with 24 hour air-conditioning and better facilities. The island, though, still remains a beautiful and unspoilt paradise. (Read more...)

Koh Phangan 

Koh Phangan is at least ten years behind Samui in terms of development, which lends the island a lot of charm, and some would say it's more picturesque than Samui itself. The main tourist beach Had Rin is busiest on Full Moon nights, but is well worth a visit the rest of the month too for its chaotic jumble of bars, clubs, restaurants and handicraft shops. The locals - expats and Thai's alike - are a friendly bunch and help make the atmosphere a lot more laid back than frenetic Chaweng. Their attitude is that every night is a party night on Had Rin, which pretty much sums it up. (Read more...)

Kok Taen and Kok 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.