Joanna James
Craving a bit of adventure in Koh Samui? The idyllic Thai island is surrounded by a slew of uninhabited islands in close proximity, making island hopping one of the best activities to be enjoyed on the island. Hop on a boat and set sail into the wide-open seas on an island-hopping adventure.
The crown jewel of the Gulf of Thailand, the 42-island archipelago that comprises the Ang Thong National Marine Park, is a favoured destination that many tourists to Koh Samui look forward to. The protected nature reserve covers a whopping 100 square kilometres. A day trip to the sprawling national park affords a plethora of exciting activities, from snorkelling, hiking, and sea kayaking to diving and sailing.
About 12 kilometres south of Koh Samui is the 5th largest island in Thailand and a destination renowned for its boisterous full moon parties, the vibrant island of Koh Phangan. While it may be the uninhibited revelling that draws the crowds to Koh Phangan, the island has a whole lot more to offer. The rugged, mountainous interior is one of the most dramatic in all of the Southeast Asian nation. The turquoise waters that surround the island are home to some 20 or so incredible diving sites, making scuba diving an unmissable experience in Koh Phangan.
If you think diving in Koh Phangan is incredible, Koh Tao will leave you amazed. Koh Tao — or the aptly named turtle island — certainly lives up to its name as a fantastic scuba diving destination and one of the most popular places in the world to get scuba certified. Aside from exploring the world underwater, the island also has a vibrant nightlife scene that is just as incredible as the pristine sands and turquoise waters holidaymakers are attracted to while the sun is up.
A short 5-kilometre boat ride to the south of Koh Samui will bring you to the stunning island of Koh Taen. The island may be small at only 7.5 square kilometres in extent, but it has a plethora of fun-filled activities to offer regardless of its minuscule size. Snorkelling and fishing are some of the most popular activities on the island but are certainly not limited to.
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the aforementioned Koh Taen island is Koh Mudsum, where ironically, size isn't the island's strongest suit, just as its close neighbour. Regardless, there's so much to see and do on Koh Mudsum, sure to make for a wonderful day trip from Koh Samui. After a day of exciting island hopping, retreat to a fine resort in Koh Samui the likes of Avani+ Samui Resort.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
