Gulf of Thailand Island Hopping: Ko Samui, Ko Tao & Ko Phangan - 10 Days

Day 2: Ko Tan & Ko Madsum Island Hopping

Take a boat trip to Ko Tan and Ko Madsum today, which lie just 3 miles (5 km) off the south coast of Ko Samui. Board a wooden long-tail boat from the pier and set sail to Ko Tan, also known as "The Coral Island," for its lesser-visited, pristine reefs that offer prime snorkeling. Gear up and plunge into the mirror-clear water to spot exotic fish, stingrays, and barracudas.

Back on board, sail over to the neighboring island, Ko Madsum, which is blessed with an undeveloped, long sandy beach where you can lay in the sun. You'll also get to meet the island's group of friendly pigs, which were rescued from a market on the mainland by a local bar owner, Mr. Kitt. Have lunch on the island with time for a swim before sailing back to Ko Samui for a restful evening. 

Day 3: Leisure & Spa Day in Ko Samui

Enjoy a morning of pampering with a trip to the decadent Eranda Herbal Spa, one of the best on the island. Soak up the idyllic atmosphere with thatched-roof pagodas set among gardens with cascading waterfalls and sea views. Choose from various indulgent treatments, including Thai massages, hot stone therapy, foot reflexology, and ear candling. Finish your session with a body scrub, facial, and Jacuzzi.

Spend the afternoon as you please. Chill by the pool or head to one of the island's top stretches of powdery sand, including Chaweng and Lamai, where you can lie in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree, sipping on cocktails or coconuts. More secluded beaches like Laem Yai and Mae Nam offer extra tranquility.

If you're feeling more active, visit the Bophut Fisherman's Village for shopping and seafood dining, then continue to Wat Plai Laem for some temple culture. To discover Ko Samui's impressive waterfalls, take a car to Namtok Hin Lat and Namtok Na Mueang waterfalls, where you can trek through thick forests and cool off in sparkling pools.

Day 4: Speedboat to Ko Tao, Explore

Today, you'll take a speed boat for 1.5 hours to Ko Tao, which translates to "Turtle Island," a reference to both the island's shape and the hawksbill and green turtles that breed and nest on its shores. Ko Tao is known for its outstanding marine life, with coral-rich waters that teem with creatures, offering some of Thailand's top snorkeling and diving adventures. 

Meet your driver at the hotel and head straight to your resort, then enjoy a free afternoon. Get your first taste of Ko Tao's kaleidoscopic underwater world with some snorkeling from white-sand coves like Freedom Beach or Jansom Bay, or hike to Juan Suwan Viewpoint for sweeping island vistas. End with cocktails on Sairee Beach, famed for its neon sunsets.

Day 5: Ko Tao Diving Trip 

Discover Ko Tao's marine treasures on a half-day diving trip accompanied by an experienced guide. Start at the dive shop, where you'll gear up before heading out on the boat to the first of your two dive sites, which are tailored to your diving ability, from shallow reefs to deeper pinnacles and wrecks. 

Jump into the glassy waters, which provide excellent visibility up to 115 feet (35 m), and explore tropical coral gardens where colorful fish thrive. Look out for everything from barracudas to rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles—you might even spot pilot whales. Afterward, have lunch and a well-earned rest, followed by an afternoon of lazing on the beach.

Day 6: Free Day in Ko Tao

Savor a free day of sun-soaked relaxation. Read by your hotel pool, head to the spa for a massage, or take a yoga class at one of Ko Tao's many studios. Popular beaches for basking on include the idyllic June Juea and Mango Bay, which both offer pillow-soft sands and warm waters for swimming. 

If you're keen to get out on the water, book a snorkeling cruise to take you to the island's top spots, including the Japanese Gardens off Ko Nang Yuan. End the day with a sunset beach stroll and feast on fresh seafood at a beach-side bar. 

Day 7: Speedboat to Ko Phangan, Explore

Say goodbye to Ko Tao this morning and sail to Ko Phangan via speedboat. Away from the island's famed Full Moon Parties, Ko Phangan features picture-perfect scenery ranging from flawless beaches to coconut plantations, waterfalls, and mountains. Your driver will be waiting at the pier to take you to your hotel, where you can settle in before exploring. 

Rent a scooter or flag down a tuk-tuk to beach hop around Ko Phangan. Highlights include Malibu Beach in the village of Chaloklum, which offers vast sandy shores, and Haad Salad, a tiny cove where long-tail boats bob in the water and the sunset paints the sky shades of orange and pink. Sail or hike to remote Bottle Beach on the north coast for an unspoiled slice of paradise. 

Day 8: Hike to the Summit of Khao Ra

Explore Ko Phangan today with a challenging hike to the summit of Khao Ra, the island's highest peak at 2,067 feet (630 m). Trek through the lush jungle on a well-marked path surrounded by native birds, climbing steadily to the summit. You'll be rewarded with showstopping views of Chaloklum Bay and Ko Ma on the lesser-visited northwest coast of the island.

Afterward, spend a restful afternoon on the beach or poolside at your resort. Alternatively, if you still have some energy, discover underwater wonders on a snorkeling trip or visit natural island gems such as Tan Sadet Waterfall and Rin Nok Beach. End the day with sunset cocktails overlooking the sea and a lavish meal.

Day 9: Anantara Spa Day

Spend your final day on Ko Phangan at Anantara Ko Phangan Spa. This award-winning slice of paradise offers massage salas nestled among towering palms and limestone rocks. Detox in the steam cave and stretch your muscles on the sea-view yoga platform before settling in for an opulent treatment. Signature experiences include the Rsananda Island Bliss for floral and after-sun soothing massages and the Journey of Siam for a coconut scrub and traditional Thai massage.

Relish a final afternoon by the pool or on the beach. If you want one last excursion, sail to Ang Thong Marine Park. This far-flung archipelago of 42 islands lies just a short speedboat ride from Ko Phangan and features everything from blue lagoons to hidden caves and kayaking. Snack on street food and pick up some souvenirs this evening at the vibrant Phantip Night Market in the island's central hub, Thong Sala.

Day 10: Speedboat to Ko Samui, Depart

Today, your Thai island-hopping adventure comes to an end. Take a speed boat 1.5 hours back to Ko Samui, where you'll board your onward flight. Safe travels!