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Itineraries/Thailand Gulf Islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao
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Thailand Gulf Islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao

The three Gulf islands each have a distinct personality: Koh Samui is polished and resort-heavy, Koh Phangan is famous for the Full Moon Party but beautiful between parties, and Koh Tao is Thailand's top diving hub. Ferry connections make island hopping effortless.

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  3. Thailand Gulf Islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao

Budget Overview

Backpacker

$30–50/day

per day

Mid-range

$80–130/day

per day

Luxury

$200–400/day

per day

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrive Koh Samui

    Koh Samui
    • Fly into USM or ferry from Surat Thani
    • Check in, Chaweng Beach afternoon
    Chaweng Beach guesthouse or resort$35·$95·$250
  2. 2

    Samui Island Tour

    Koh Samui
    • Big Buddha temple Koh Fan
    • Grandfather and Grandmother rocks
    • Lamai Beach afternoon
    Chaweng Beach resort$30·$85·$220
  3. 3

    Ang Thong Marine Park

    Koh Samui
    • Boat tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park
    • Snorkeling Emerald Lake hike
    • Return Samui sunset
    Chaweng Beach resort$50·$110·$260
  4. 4

    Ferry to Koh Phangan

    Koh Phangan
    • Ferry across (30 min)
    • Thong Sala market
    • North coast beaches — Chaloklum or Thong Nai Pan
    Ferry USM–KPG (~30 min)Haad Yao or Thong Nai Pan bungalow$30·$80·$200
  5. 5

    Koh Phangan Explore

    Koh Phangan
    • Haad Rin beach (Full Moon Party venue)
    • Than Sadet Waterfall
    • Jungle yoga or hammock day
    Haad Yao bungalow$30·$75·$190
  6. 6

    Full Moon Party or Quiet Beach Day

    Koh Phangan
    • Full Moon Party at Haad Rin (if timing aligns)
    • Or Hat Thian secluded beach hike
    • Beachside bonfire
    Haad Rin or Haad Yao bungalow$40·$90·$210
  7. 7

    Ferry to Koh Tao

    Koh Tao
    • Ferry to Thailand's dive capital
    • Dive shop booking and briefing
    • Sairee Beach evening
    Ferry KPG–KTT (~2 hr)Sairee Beach dive bungalow$35·$85·$210
  8. 8

    Koh Tao Diving

    Koh Tao
    • PADI Open Water Day 1 or fun dives at Chumphon Pinnacle
    • Sail Rock pinnacle option
    • Dive bar evening
    Sairee Beach dive bungalow$60·$120·$260
  9. 9

    Koh Tao Snorkel & Relax

    Koh Tao
    • Shark Bay snorkel (blacktip reef sharks)
    • Freedom Beach or Aow Leuk cove
    • Sunset Sairee Beach
    Sairee Beach bungalow$30·$80·$200
  10. 10

    Depart

    Koh Tao
    • Morning dive or beach
    • Ferry to Chumphon or Surat Thani, onward travel
    Ferry to mainland then bus/flightN/A$25·$60·$150

Plan Your Trip

Koh Samui

HotelsThings to DoFood Guide

Koh Phangan

HotelsThings to DoFood Guide

Koh Tao

HotelsThings to DoFood Guide

Disclaimer

Daily budgets are approximate and based on typical costs. Prices vary by season, exact accommodation choice, and spending habits. Always check current transport prices before booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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All Itineraries

Current Weather

overcast clouds

25°C

overcast clouds

Feels 26°
78%
33 km/h

Trip at a Glance

📅
Duration
10 days
🧭
Difficulty
Easy
💸
Budget (backpacker)
$30–50/day/day
🏨
Budget (mid-range)
$80–130/day/day
✨
Budget (luxury)
$200–400/day/day
☀️
Best months
December, January, February

Best For

  • Diving & snorkeling
  • Full Moon Party
  • Island-hopping in the Gulf of Thailand

Not Ideal If…

  • Andaman coast lovers
  • Monsoon season travelers (May–Oct for Samui)

Best Months

DecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilSeptemberOctober

Last verified April 2026

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