Island Hopping Koh Samui: Ang Thong, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao (2026)
The complete guide to island hopping from Koh Samui: Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, all within two hours of the island. Ferry routes, indicative prices, tours and itineraries from someone who lives here.
- Koh Phangan: 30 to 45 min
- Koh Tao: 1h30 to 2h
- Ang Thong: day tour only
Ferry routes and prices from Koh Samui
Lomprayah, Seatran and Songserm run the main crossings. Prices below are indicative one-way fares; check live times and book on 12Go Asia, which compares every operator.
- Koh Samui to Koh PhanganMost popularfrom$8Check times
- Koh Samui to Koh Taofrom$18Check times
- Koh Samui to Ang ThongTour onlyfrom$45See tours
- Koh Phangan to Koh Taofrom$12Check times
- Koh Samui to Surat Thanifrom$6Check times
- Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuanfrom$5Read the guide
Planning the crossing in detail? Read our Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao ferry guide.
4 islands worth visiting from Koh Samui
Each island has its own character. Here is what to expect so you can pick the right one for your trip.
Best day tripAbout 1h30 by speedboat, tours only
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Forty-two uninhabited islands of limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons and jungle trails, often cited as an inspiration for "The Beach". You snorkel, kayak and climb to the viewpoint in a single day. There is no public ferry: you visit with an organised tour.
Day tours from about $45 per person, park fee usually included, departure around 8:30am.
Closest island30 to 45 min by ferry
Koh Phangan
Famous for the Full Moon Party, but there is much more: Haad Rin and Thong Nai Pan beaches, jungle waterfalls, yoga retreats and a quiet north coast. The easiest island to add to a Samui trip, as a day trip or for a few nights.
Ferries from about $8 with Lomprayah and Seatran. Day trip ideas: Koh Phangan day trip from Samui.
Diving island1h30 to 2h by high-speed ferry
Koh Tao
One of the most affordable places in Southeast Asia to learn to dive, with clear water, turtles, coral reefs and the occasional whale shark. Sairee Beach and Tanote Bay are the beaches to know. Best with at least one night.
Ferries from about $18. Coming back? See Koh Tao to Koh Samui.
Hidden gem10 min by longtail from Koh Tao
Koh Nang Yuan
Three small islands joined by white sandbars, one of the most photographed views in Thailand. You reach it by longtail boat from Koh Tao, usually as a half-day visit. Climb to the viewpoint early, before the day-trip crowds arrive.
Get to Koh Tao first, then a longtail from about $5.
Organised tour or independent ferry?
Two ways to island hop from Koh Samui. Ferries suit overnight stays on Koh Phangan and Koh Tao; tours are the only way to see Ang Thong.
Independent ferry
Book your own tickets and explore at your own pace. Best for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao when you want to stay overnight.
- Total freedom: stay as long as you like
- Much cheaper than organised tours
- Best for multi-day island hopping
- You arrange your own accommodation
- No guide or snorkelling gear
$8per trip, Samui to Koh Phangan
Organised day tour
All-inclusive day trips to Ang Thong, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao with transport, guide, lunch and equipment. Best for a first visit.
- Everything included, nothing to organise
- Local guide, snorkelling gear and kayaks
- The only way to visit Ang Thong
- Fixed schedule, back around 5pm
- More expensive than the ferry
$45per person, Ang Thong full day
How many days? Our island hopping itineraries
How we would plan island hopping from Koh Samui, depending on the time you have.
- D1
Ang Thong National Marine Park, full day
Leave Koh Samui around 8:30am by speedboat. Snorkel near the emerald lagoon, climb to the panoramic viewpoint, kayak along the limestone cliffs and have a Thai lunch on board. Back around 5pm. This is the best single day of island hopping from Samui.
- D1
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Full-day speedboat tour from Koh Samui: lagoon, viewpoint, kayaking and snorkelling, back by 5pm.
- D2
Koh Phangan: beaches and the Full Moon Party
Morning ferry to Koh Phangan (30 to 45 min). Spend the day on Haad Rin or the quieter north coast. If the dates line up, the Full Moon Party is that night. Sleep on Koh Phangan.
- D3
Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao (about 45 min). Longtail to Koh Nang Yuan for the sandbar and snorkelling in the morning, Sairee Beach in the afternoon, then the late ferry back to Koh Samui.
- D1
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Day tour from Koh Samui, back on Samui for the night.
- D2
Ferry to Koh Phangan
Morning ferry, afternoon on the beach. Base yourself in Thong Nai Pan or Haad Rin depending on the vibe you want.
- D3
Koh Phangan, second day
Waterfalls, viewpoints and the north coast beaches. Full Moon Party if the dates match.
- D4
Koh Tao
Ferry to Koh Tao (about 45 min). Snorkelling trip or a first dive, sunset at Sairee Beach. One night on Koh Tao.
- D5
Koh Nang Yuan and back to Samui
Early longtail to Koh Nang Yuan before the crowds, then the afternoon high-speed ferry back to Koh Samui.
Where to book your island hopping
The three platforms we use for ferries and tours from Koh Samui.
12Go Asia
Ferries and speedboats
Every operator and route in one place: Lomprayah, Seatran and Songserm, for Samui to Phangan, Samui to Tao and all inter-island crossings.
Compare ferriesGetYourGuide
Day tours with local guides
Ang Thong day trips, kayaking tours and island experiences, with instant confirmation and free cancellation on most tours.
Browse toursKlook
Tours and activities
Ang Thong Marine Park, island hopping tours, snorkelling packages and diving day trips around Koh Samui.
Browse Koh Samui toursIsland hopping tips from a Koh Samui local
What we tell friends before their first trip around the Gulf islands.
Book ferries 48 hours ahead
Lomprayah speedboats sell out in high season (December to February, July and August). Morning departures between 8am and 10am give you the most time on the island.
Ang Thong is tour-only
There is no public ferry to Ang Thong National Marine Park. Book a speedboat tour at least the day before; in high season they fill up completely.
Plan for seasickness
The crossing to Koh Tao can be rough, especially from May to October. Take seasickness tablets 30 minutes before departure and sit at the back, near the deck.
Full Moon Party: book early
The party draws tens of thousands of people every month. Hotels and ferries around the date book out weeks ahead, so check the calendar before you plan.
Pick the right season
January to August is the best window: calmer seas and clearer water. October to December is the rainy season on this coast, with rougher crossings and occasional cancellations.
Lomprayah or Seatran?
Lomprayah is faster and more comfortable, worth the small premium for Koh Tao. For Koh Phangan both are fine, and Seatran is often a little cheaper.
Travel with insurance when you island hop
Snorkelling accidents, rough crossings and sudden weather changes happen, and a medical transfer from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is expensive without cover. SafetyWing covers island hopping across Thailand from about $45 a month.
Island hopping Koh Samui: FAQ
What are the best islands to visit from Koh Samui?
The four best islands to visit from Koh Samui are Ang Thong National Marine Park (42 uninhabited islands, by organised tour only), Koh Phangan (30 to 45 minutes by ferry, for the Full Moon Party, beaches and yoga), Koh Tao (about 2 hours by speedboat, for diving and snorkelling) and Koh Nang Yuan (via Koh Tao, famous for its sandbar). For a single day trip, Ang Thong is the one not to miss.
How do I get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
Ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan run several times a day from Nathon, Bangrak and Maenam piers. The crossing takes 30 to 45 minutes. Lomprayah and Seatran are the main operators, with tickets from about $8. Book ahead on 12Go Asia in high season. The first boats leave around 8am and the last around 5pm.
How do I get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
Lomprayah high-speed ferries run from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, usually in the morning and early afternoon. The trip takes 1h30 to 2 hours, with tickets from about $18. You can also stop on Koh Phangan on the way: 30 to 45 minutes from Samui, then about 45 minutes to Koh Tao.
Can I visit Ang Thong Marine Park independently?
No. Ang Thong National Marine Park is only reachable by organised speedboat tour; there is no public ferry. Tours leave Koh Samui and Koh Phangan around 8:30am and return around 5pm, with snorkelling gear, kayaking, lunch and the park fee usually included. Prices start at about $45 per person.
How many days do I need for island hopping from Koh Samui?
One day is enough for Ang Thong. With three days, do Ang Thong, then Koh Phangan for a night, then Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan before returning. With five days, add a second night on Koh Phangan and a night on Koh Tao. Book every ferry ahead in high season.
Plan the rest of your trip
Some links on this page are affiliate links: InsideSamui.com earns a commission if you book through 12Go Asia, GetYourGuide, Klook or SafetyWing, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative; always check live availability.