DELUXE TRAVELLER

Spectacular beaches fringed by azure seas and swaying palm trees make Koh Samui an island lover’s paradise. With a choice of quaint beach towns to visit, world class villa accommodation to stay in and top-end restaurants to try, most visitors fine everything they need on the island. But Koh Samui also provides the perfect launch pad for those keen to explore the array of tropical islands nearby.

Whether you choose to hire a longtail boat for the day or charter your own luxury private yacht, a number of small islands are within easy reach of Samui, from the divers’ paradise of Koh Tao to secluded mangrove-fringed Koh Taen.

We take a closer look at the multitude of fantastic destinations to include on your adventure list and the unique attractions of each

Koh Phangan is less than an hour’s sail away from the northern coast of Koh Samui

Situated a 30-minute boat ride from Koh Samui’s Nathon pier, Koh Phangan is one of the most popular island destinations in the Gulf of Thailand. While the island may have become famous for its beach parties, there’s an array of hidden natural attractions for visitors to explore too. Hidden coves and beaches lie just a short sail away from the busiest beach on the island, Haad Rin. In fact, it was during a stay on Koh Phangan that Alex Garland was inspired to write his novel The Beach.

In addition to long stretches of silvery white coastline, Koh Phangan is also home to its own national park. Than Sadet National Park is a favoured destination amongst keen hikers who are keen to explore the secluded gems of the island’s jungle-covered interior. The park covers an area of 66 km2, covering much of Koh Phangan’s interior plus two tiny islands to the north. Many visitors choose to challenge themselves with a trek up to the peak of Khao Raa, the highest viewing point on the island. Those who make it to the top will be rewarded with panoramic vistas across the Ang Thong archipelago.

Turtle Island

After Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Koh Tao is the region that dishes out more PADI diving licences than other destination on earth

For those keen to explore further afield, the fabulous island of Koh Tao is a short sail north of Koh Phangan, and a total of 45km from Koh Samui. Known as “Turtle Island” in Thai, this spectacular destination embodies many of the qualities you’d envision when fantasising about your dream island oasis – white sand beaches, serene seas and quaint beach huts dotted along the shoreline.

In comparison to Koh Samui, Koh Tao is tiny – but it is still home to more than its fair share of fantastic restaurants, bars and beach clubs to indulge in some food and drink during your visit. There’s also a selection of shops and boutiques to while away an hour or two. If you plan on making your trip to Koh Tao an overnight adventure, it’s well worth booking onto a scuba diving excursion while you’re there. Koh Tao is famous for its close proximity to a spectacular array of dive sites, where a number of intriguing creatures – including turtles – can be seen. Snorkelling conditions are also excellent for those who don’t fancy scuba diving. Those who do decide to explore Koh Tao’s underwater treasures will be able to glimpse a hidden Kingdom teeming with tropical fish and colourful coral.

Tropical gem

Koh Matsum is a small island off the south coast of Koh Samui

Lying just off the south coast of Koh Samui is Koh Matsum – also known as Koh Mudsum. This unspoilt island is a gem for visitors keen to get away from the hustle and bustle of Koh Samui’s busier beaches, and a range of activities are available. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to have a go at snorkelling or kayaking – or perhaps you simply want to relax on the talcum powder-soft sand with a picnic. If you didn’t pack your own picnic, then Koh Matsum is home to one small restaurant where you can dine on authentic Thai cuisine.

There are many tour operators on Koh Samui that offer handy day trip tours to Koh Matsum. A longtail boat ride to the island usually takes around 30 minutes. Tours will sometimes encompass a trek on the neighbouring island of Koh Tan, too.

Island oasis

Koh Tan is a thirty-minute boat ride from Koh Samui

Also situated off the southwest coast of Koh Samui is the island of Koh Tan. The island is easily accessible from Thong Krut, a small fishing port on the southwestern coast of Samui. If you’re truly looking to get away from it all in a remote, secluded location, Koh Tan could be just the place. The island is only home to a tiny local population, most of whom are supported by the local fishing industry.

Snorkelling and trekking are the main activities here. However, for many visitors, the island’s true highlight lies in its secluded location, cut off from the modern, well-developed tourist infrastructure of Koh Samui. There’s a couple of local restaurants and places to stay, but the island’s main attractions are its pristine beaches.

Welcome to paradise

Thailand’s stunning Ang Thong Marine Park is home to 42 pristine islands

Koh Samui is an ideal base for holiday makers who want to explore the unspoilt beauty of Thailand’s Ang Thong Marine Park. This protected area of ocean covers an area of more than 100 km2, encompassing 42 islands. Therefore, the opportunities for exploration and discovery are almost endless. Cruising amongst the sublime islands of the Ang Thong Marine Park will have you snapping photos at every turn, as hidden bays, craggy limestone atolls and abundant mangrove forests come into view.

There are many day-long boat tours of the region organised by tour operators on Koh Samui. However, if you’re an experienced sailing enthusiast, then you might prefer to charter your own craft and explore independently. There’s a number of suitable mooring points to choose from for a truly unique Ang Thong experience. It’s also worth keeping your eyes peeled for exotic wildlife, both at sea and on land. Mammals including otters, hogs and monkeys all call this collection of islands home.

Minimise your carbon footprint

Taking steps to minimise your carbon footprint will help to preserve the pristine beauty of Thailand’s stunning islands

If you’re chartering a yacht to explore the islands surrounding Koh Samui, it’s important minimise the impact of your environmental footprint to help preserve the scenery for generations to come. It goes without saying that any food, drinks and litter should be taken back with you and disposed of properly. If you’re sailing your own craft, use weather and tide apps to help guide you on sailing with the strong trade winds. Motoring against the tide or strong winds will require more fuel, increasing the overall footprint of your trip.

TIPS

Here’s a few top tips on how to capture stunning photographs of the ocean scenery:

• Keep your eyes peeled for reflections. Incorporating shimmering reflections into shots that take in large bodies of water will add extra interest to the picture.
• Mix up the format of your shots – the odd portrait shot mixed in amongst the landscape will add variety and power to your photo album.
• Look for the details of each pristine beach you visit. Sometimes, close-up photographs of shells, rock formations and rock pools will add extra interest to your island-hopping photo collection.