Updated on July 16, 2025

There are close to 60 islands around Koh Samui, and each is a tropical paradise in its own right. Some are reputed ones and have a small population while others are just small dots of land in the Gulf of Thailand. But what is common to these islands are the breathtaking surroundings, the pristine beaches, and the serene atmosphere that pervades all around.

Day trips for island-hopping are a favorite activity for guests in Koh Samui, and many tour operators and yacht charters offer itineraries for exploring the outer islands complete with drinks, snacks, and even activities such as snorkeling. The most popular destinations for island hopping in Koh Samui, however, represent the best that Koh Samui has to offer in terms of beautiful beaches, aquatic activities, and underwater sights.

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5 Island Destinations Worth Exploring Outside Koh Samui

Each outer island destination on Koh Samui comes with its own attractions, from swimming beaches to advanced dive sites. While it may take more than a day to explore every single one of the most popular islands, it’s best to plan your day trips around covering as many islands as possible while making time for leisurely activities such as beach picnics and sunset watching.

1. Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park is made up of 42 islands. It covers a total area of 102 sq km, but only 18 sq km is actually land. The majority of the islands consist of limestone mountains that are around 100 – 400m above sea level. Since limestone can change its structure rapidly due to climatic and chemical conditions, the islands have many caves and cliffs, and some of the islands even look like the ancient temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Ang Thong Park was established in 1980 and is a protected area housing a rich variety of wildlife and some of the most exotic sea creatures in the region. The most popular activities here include hiking, sea kayaking, sailing, diving, and snorkeling. The highlight of the tour usually includes sea kayaking in Mae Koh and visiting a Talay Nai (saltwater lake) viewpoint. Some islands might even have their own restaurants.

2. Koh Phangan

The 5th largest island in Thailand, Koh Phangan covers an area of 167 sq km. It is just 12 km from Koh Samui, and the only mode of transportation is the ferries that commute between it and mainland Koh Samui. It is an incredibly gorgeous island that has over 20 dive sites nearby.

Koh Phangan is famous for its full moon parties at Haad Rin Beach where partygoers gather and dance the night away, but the island pristine white sandy beaches, lush and untouched wilderness, and crystal clear waters that win the hearts of guests. The vast inland jungle is relatively unexplored which adds to the island’s mystique. Guests should check out the secluded bays that command stunning beauty and where you can string up a hammock and idle your time away.

3. Koh Tao

Koh Tao is considered the “baby” of Koh Samui; though it is a small island, it has become well-known over the years due to its magnificent dive spots. It’s also known for its beaches, which remain tranquil and sparsely crowded.

Scuba diving is easily the biggest attraction in Koh Tao. Diving in Koh Tao is easy, fun, and one can see a vast array of marine life like turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, and barracudas. Any time of the year is good for diving around the island, with more than 40 meters of visibility during non-monsoon seasons.

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4. Koh Tan and Koh Madsum

Koh Tan is just a few hundred meters from the southwest coast of Koh Samui. It is a small island but largely unspoiled and primarily known for its coral and marine life. The fan corals and the giant clams are the chief attractions of the protected reefs. Tours to Koh Tan include snorkeling on the reef, walks along the wooden platform where you can view the mangrove forests, and a visit to one of the finest beaches on the island.

Koh Madsum is located just south of Koh Tan and is a very popular spot for day trips. The long sandy beach is a favorite among tourists, and one can usually find groups of Thai students camping along the stretch. Swimming is not recommended here as there is a dead reef directly off the shore, but there’s also a chance that you might find Koh Madsum’s famous swimming pigs in the water

5. Koh Nang Yuan

Koh Nang Yuan is an incredibly beautiful island just off Koh Samui. You can arrive here by a speed boat in around 90 minutes. The sandbar beaches will take your breath away, and one can enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters to come face-to-face with the ocean life. The views from this island are quite spectacular as well.

Since the island is small, one can get around on foot. Snorkeling and diving are the main activities here. Koh Nang Yuan also boasts the world’s only zip line that crosses from one island to another. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you should sign up for this for an exhilarating adventure.

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Discover Hidden Gems in Koh Samui’s Waters

There’s no better way to explore the neighboring islands around Koh Samui than with a day-long trip, especially one on a privately chartered boat. Sailing through the waters off Koh Samui can bring you closer to dreamy islands that offer wonders beyond the imagination, be it through beaches, dive sites, or unique rock formations that rise from the sea.

For guests of the finest vacation villa rentals in Koh Samui, the in-villa Guest Experience Services can help you book your island-hopping day trip before you set foot on Koh Samui. These services are available for making advance reservations on everything from yacht charters and diving excursions to sunset cruise itineraries complete with premium drinks and top-quality snacks. Make your arrangements in advance, and you’ll be sure to discover more hidden gems beyond the shores of Koh Samui.

Journey further into island paradise adventures with our Koh Samui Travel Guide.