5-Day Gulf Islands Itinerary: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao

The Samui–Phangan–Tao triangle in the Gulf of Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's classic island-hopping routes — each island distinct in character, connected by regular ferries, and together offering a compressed version of everything Thailand's island scene can deliver. Day 1–2: Koh Samui (arrive, explore, relax). Fly into Koh Samui Airport (USM) — served by Bangkok Airways from Bangkok (1 hr 15 min) or connect via Surat Thani. Base yourself in Chaweng for nightlife and convenience, or Bophut's Fisherman's Village for a quieter, more characterful atmosphere. Day 1: recover from travel, swim at Chaweng Beach, explore Fisherman's Village Walking Street if it falls on Friday evening. Day 2: morning visit to Ang Thong National Marine Park (full day boat tour, 1,200–1,800 THB) or rent a motorbike and circuit the island — Big Buddha temple, Namuang Waterfall, Hin Ta Hin Yai rock formations. Ferry to Koh Phangan in the evening (40 min, ~200 THB, multiple departures). Day 3: Koh Phangan (beach and leisure day). Koh Phangan has two faces: the famous Full Moon Party beach at Hat Rin, and the genuinely beautiful northern coast around Bottle Beach and Than Sadet Waterfall. Avoid Hat Rin unless Full Moon Party is your explicit goal — the rest of the island is far more beautiful. Rent a motorbike (250 THB/day) and explore: Thong Nai Pan beaches (1.5 hrs north), Than Sadet Historical Park and waterfall, Haad Yao beach on the west coast for sunsets. Day 4: Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. Morning ferry from Thong Sala Pier to Koh Tao (1.5–2 hrs, ~300 THB). Koh Tao is Thailand's diving capital — if you intend to dive or do an Open Water course, book ahead online. PADI Open Water: 3 days, 9,500–11,000 THB. For non-divers: snorkelling tours visiting Sail Rock (45 min offshore, excellent whale shark encounters May–November) and the island's surrounding reefs. Stay near Mae Haad or Sairee Beach. Day 5: Koh Tao to Bangkok or onward. Morning: final snorkelling or dive. Afternoon: ferry to Surat Thani (2 hrs), bus or train connection to Bangkok (arrive evening). Alternative: fly Bangkok Airways Koh Samui–Bangkok (if budget allows, saves 6–8 hours of overland travel). Total ferry transport costs: approximately 700–900 THB for all three island connections. Book Raja Ferry, Lomprayah, or Seatran for reliable schedules.