Day trips from Koh Samui

Koh Samui will definitely keep you busy, but some of the most beautiful spots in Thailand are only a short boat ride away. Thanks to its central location in the Gulf of Thailand, Samui is the perfect starting point for island hopping. Within just a couple of hours, you can be snorkeling over coral reefs, kayaking in hidden lagoons, or strolling through vibrant local markets.

On Ferryhopper, we have picked 4 amazing destinations for day trips from Koh Samui by ferry. Find out what to do there in 1 day, check ferry schedules and prices, and book ferry tickets for your dreamy journey around the Gulf of Thailand!

Can you do day trips from Koh Samui?

Absolutely! Koh Samui is one of the best-connected islands in Thailand, with ferries and speedboats running daily to nearby islands and the mainland. Trips normally take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, so you can easily spend the day exploring somewhere new and still be back on Koh Samui in time for dinner.

Best day trips from Koh Samui

Ko Pha-ngan: laid-back beaches and full moon vibes

Just 20 minutes away by high-speed ferry, Ko Pha-ngan is Samui’s closest neighbor. The island is world-famous for its Full Moon Party and exceptional natural beauty.

Spend the morning at Haad Yuan beach, a tucked away and tranquil paradise, before grabbing lunch and a fresh juice at Thong Sala market. In the afternoon, head inland to the Srithanu area to find yoga and meditation retreats among the palm trees.

Should your timing line up with the full moon, the party at Haad Rin is an experience you can’t miss.

With ferries running regularly from Koh Samui’s Nathon Pier pier, and crossing times of 20 minutes to 1 hour, this is one of the easiest islands to explore in a single day. Find out all about Koh Samui to Ko Pha-ngan ferries on Ferryhopper.

The quiet atmosphere and turquoise waters of Haad Yuan beach

Koh Tao: snorkeling and diving paradise

If you are an enthusiast of the underwater world, Koh Tao is worth the ferry ride from Koh Samui. Thailand’s diving capital is small enough to explore in one day but will surprise you with the variety of activities it offers.

Start with a snorkeling trip to Shark Bay or Ao Leuk, where the reefs are buzzing with life including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful schools of fish. If you’ve always wanted to try diving, Koh Tao is the ideal place for you, as there are several beginner-friendly schools to get you started.

Later on, put on your hiking shoes and climb to John-Suwan viewpoint. From the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the island and its turquoise waters.

Morning ferries from Maenam or Nathon piers get you there in time for a full day of exploring, and you can catch an evening boat back to Samui. Check out detailed info about Koh Samui - Koh Tao ferries.

Tip: if you have extra time, take a short long-tail boat ride (just 10-15 minutes) to Koh Nang Yuan, a tiny trio of islets connected by a white sandbar. This is one of Thailand’s most photographed spots, and swimming in its calm waters before you head back is just perfect.

Stuning views from John-Suwan viewpoint in Koh Tao

Surat Thani mainland: culture and local life

Not all day trips need to involve beaches; for an original taste of southern Thailand, you can head to the Surat Thani mainland and explore the culture.

Here, you can visit Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, one of the region’s most important Buddhist temples, and wander through bustling markets full of fresh food and local crafts. It’s also the perfect place to savor authentic southern Thai dishes, such as spicy curries or herbal rice salad (khao yam).

Ferries from Nathon pier take about 1.5 hours to reach Donsak, and from there it’s a 1-hour drive to Surat Thani town.

The majestic temple of Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya

Ang Thong National Marine Park: island hopping and lagoons

Ready to enter a nature documentary? Ang Thong is a protected archipelago of 42 islands full of limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and remote beaches that will steal your heart.

A day trip in Ang Thong can be a small adventure; activities you can try include kayaking around the cliffs, snorkeling in shallow bays, and hiking up the famous viewpoint on Koh Wua Talap for a breathtaking view of the scattered islands. Otherwse, you can spend your time swimming or just stretching out on the sand.

The only way to visit Ang Thong is with a boat tour from Samui. The first departures are usually scheduled for 08:00-09:00 from Nathon or Bangrak piers. Boats take just over 1 hour to reach the park, and return by late afternoon. Note that most tours include lunch and snorkel gear.

The verdant islets of Ang Thong National Marine Park

How many days do you need in Koh Samui to do day trips?

A stay of 5-7 days is perfect if you want to enjoy Koh Samui while also exploring nearby spots. A suggested plan could look like this:

• 2-3 days discovering Koh Samui’s beaches, waterfalls, and temples
• 1 day trip in Ko Pha-ngan for beaches and nightlife
• 1 day trip in Koh Tao for snorkeling and diving
• 1 day for a cultural trip to Surat Thani
• 1 day in Ang Thong National Marine Park for kayaking and viewpoints

How to plan your day trips from Koh Samui

• Ferry connections: High-speed ferries and catamarans run daily to nearby islands.
• Departure points: the island’s main piers are Nathon, Bangrak (Big Buddha), and Maenam.
• Travel times: 30 minutes (Koh Phangan) to 2 hours (Koh Tao).
• Best season: December to April for calm seas, though tours run all year round.

Explore beyond Koh Samui

From remote marine parks to lively beach parties, day trips from Koh Samui offer the chance to experience the best of the Gulf of Thailand in just a few hours. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, there’s a perfect excursion waiting just offshore.