Koh Samui & Koh Tao: Mini-Guides -

I will never stop raving about how much I love Thailand! I’ve been 3 times and fully intend on returning ASAP. A trip to Thailand for the first time isn’t complete without stopping in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but after that head STRAIGHT to the islands! My fave 🙂

Thai islands are stunning. They’re safe, chill, with the best food, amazing snorkeling, and full of the kindest people ever! It’s not call the land of smiles for no reason. I’d spend 3-4 days in Koh Samui and 3-4 days in Koh Tao for a good balance of larger island life and remote island vibes!

KOH SAMUI MINI-GUIDE

Where to Stay in Koh Samui

I stayed at SALA Choengmon which was AMAZING. Location was close enough to so much, but secluded enough to be serene and calm. If you want a busy nightlife scene, stay in Chaweng.

SALA Choengmon Beach Resort – loveddd my stay here!
SALA Chaweng Beach Resort – sister resort

PS: the hotel names link to the Trip Advisor page & I make a small commission on any hotels booked though my links at no cost to you so I truly appreciate anytime you use my links!

What To-Do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui has everything you could be looking for, from relaxing at amazing boutique resorts like SALA Choengmon, to adventure fill day tours to Ang Thong National Park, to a robust night life, and unique Buddhist temples.

For Ang Thong – you can do a cheaper tour on a bigger boat (what we did) or a slightly more expensive tour on a speed boat – I wish we’d dont the speed boat! The ride each way was like 2+ hrs no the slower boat.

PS: the tour names link to the Get Your Guide page for the tour. I make a small commission on any booked though my links at no cost to you so I truly appreciate anytime you use my links!

Ang Thong Speedboat Tour

Private Car with Driver – I did this to explore the island on my own time!

Jeep Island Highlights Tour

Thai Cooking Class

Pink Dolphin & Pig Island Tour

ATV Jungle Tour

Muay Thai Fight

Ang Thong Big Boat Tour

Lamai Viewpoint & Zipline – cable car up is 200 baht (~$5.50 USD)

Hin Ta & Tin Yai (Grandmother & Grandfather Rock)

Wat Plai Laem – Temple on the Lake

Wat Phra Yai – Koh Samui Big Buddha

Lamai Night Market

Fisherman’s Village – go for evening drinks at Badaba!

Bangrak Market

Mae Nam Morning Market

Tamarind Springs Forest Spa

Lad Koh View Point

Overlap Stone

Na Mueang Waterfall

Hin Lad Waterfall

Beaches:

Lamai
Coral Cove
Thongson
Bang Po
Chaweng
Ao Thong
Maenam

Where to Eat in Koh Samui

Lamai Viewpoint Cafe
The Secret Brunch
Coconut Ice Cream Lamia – a MUST
The Nature Samui
Coco Tams – famous bar for sunset
Pure Vegan Heaven
Elephant Beach Club
Harrys
Bar Baguette
Beach Coconut Bowls
Badaba
Tembo Beach Club
Chi Samui
La Fabrique French Bakery

KOH TAO MINI-GUIDE

Where to Stay in Koh Tao

I stayed at Blue Tao Beach Hotel which was fine! Nothing to write home about – but a great location and affordable clean comfortable rooms! A few places I have my eye on for next time:

Haadtien Beach Resort

Sai Daeng Resort

PS: the hotel names link to the Trip Advisor page & I make a small commission on any hotels booked though my links at no cost to you so I truly appreciate anytime you use my links!

What To-Do in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is my favorite Thai island! It has some of the best snorkeling and diving (no seriously, it’s one of the best & most affordable places in the world to get scuba certified if you have a few days to spare!) and SO much small island charm. Koh Tao is small enough you can get basically anywhere on the island is 10-15 minutes, and it’s only a 1.5 hr ferry from Koh Samui.

If you only do one thing in Koh Tao make sure it’s a snorkel tour that includes stops at Nang Yuan!

PS: the tour names link to the Get Your Guide page for the tour. I make a small commission on any booked though my links at no cost to you so I truly appreciate anytime you use my links!

Koh Tao Snorkel Tour – I did this one!

Luxury Snorkel Tour

Try Scuba Diving 1-Day

Thai Cooking Class – did this, 10/10!

Koh Tao Day Tour

4-Day Diving Course

Mango Bay Viewpoint

Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint

John Suwan Viewpoint

Get a Thai Massage at Freedom Beach!!

Top Point Koh Tao Viewpoint

Beaches/Snorkeling: