The comparison
| Excursion | Duration | "From" price | What is stated | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ang Thong marine park, big boat, optional kayak | about 9 h | about $37 to $39 | hotel transfer, buffet lunch, snorkelling gear; rated 4.3 to 4.4 out of 5 from 3,800 to 4,400 reviews depending on the day we looked | most travellers, scenery and kayaking |
| Pig Island and Koh Tan by speedboat | about 5 h | about $42 to $56 | departure around 9:00 (check-in 8:30), Pig Island entry, buffet lunch on Koh Tan depending on the offer | half-day, families |
| Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan by speedboat | 7 h 30 to 10 h | about $62 to $65 | lunch, snorkelling gear | snorkelling, active travellers |
| Koh Tao and Nang Yuan, small group (16 people) | full day | about $122 to $128 | small group, lunch, guide | those who want fewer people |
Ang Thong, the safe bet
Ang Thong National Marine Park groups about forty limestone islands north-west of Koh Samui. The most booked offer is a big-boat day of about 9 hours: two islands for kayaking, snorkelling and a walk to a hidden lagoon. The price does not include the park fee: 300 baht per adult and 150 per child, paid at the check-in counter according to the offer. Ratings hover around 4.3 to 4.4 out of 5; the big-boat version is cheaper and fuller than the speedboat versions.
Pig Island and Koh Tan, the half-day
A speedboat leaves from the south of Samui for Koh Madsum (Pig Island, with its pigs) then Koh Tan. The trip lasts about 5 hours, with the 50 baht Pig Island entry included according to the offer. Snorkelling at Koh Tan is on a shallow reef and depends on the weather; several reviews find it modest, so do not choose this trip for the fish. It is the easiest with young children. There is also a private-boat version of 3 to 5 hours, more flexible, and a sunset version with dinner of about 7 hours.
Koh Tao and Nang Yuan, for snorkelling
This is the longest trip: a speedboat crossing, lunch, snorkelling at Koh Tao then at Koh Nang Yuan. Several reviews mention a rough crossing on some days and a boat that is sometimes packed, and visiting Nang Yuan may involve an extra entry fee. The small-group version of 16 people costs twice as much and is worth it if you hate crowds.
Season and sea
The Gulf of Thailand is roughest from October to December. Sources disagree about Ang Thong: one mentions monsoon closures from mid-October to about 15 December, another says trips keep running but are rougher. We found no official notice: before booking in November or December, check free cancellation and the refund if a trip is cancelled. December to April offers the most reliable departures.
Getting there from Bangkok and getting around
See Bangkok to Koh Samui by plane, bus or train for the route. Once there, renting a scooter on Koh Samui helps you reach the departure pier, and for Koh Tao alone, read Bangkok, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
How to choose
- First time, scenery: Ang Thong.
- Half-day, children: Pig Island and Koh Tan.
- Snorkelling: Koh Tao and Nang Yuan.
- Fewer people: small group or private boat.
FAQ
Which excursion should I choose on Koh Samui? Ang Thong, for the scenery and kayaking.
Is the park entry included? For Ang Thong, 300 baht per adult is paid on top according to the offer we read.
Are there excursions in November? Sometimes, but the sea is rougher and sources disagree: check free cancellation.
