Gulf of Thailand

Koh Samui (228 km²) is Thailand's third-largest island and the tourist center of the Gulf. Since the construction of the international airport in 1989, the once sleepy coconut island has transformed into a diverse travel destination — from backpacker bungalows to five-star resorts with infinity pools. The charm of the island lies in its variety: The northeast is quiet and family-friendly, the north lively with shopping and restaurants, and the south still offers true solitude.

★★★ Chaweng Beach

The longest and most famous beach on the island — 7 km of fine white sand, lined with coconut palms. The northern end (Chaweng Noi) is quieter and has the clearest water. The middle is the tourist hotspot with sun loungers, water sports, and an endless row of restaurants and beach clubs. The beach is largely clean and the water calm — perfect for swimming.

Sun lounger with umbrella: 200–300 ฿ (approx. 5–8€). Jet ski: 1,500 ฿/30 min. Parasailing: 800 ฿.

★★★ Maenam Beach

The best beach for families and those seeking peace. 5 km long, wide sandy beach in the north with a gentle entry into the water. Much less crowded than Chaweng, but with enough restaurants and small resorts. Many long-term guests and digital nomads live here. Fantastic sunsets with views of Koh Phangan.

Beach massage: 300 ฿/hour (approx. 8€). Bungalows directly on the beach from 800 ฿/night.

★★ Lamai Beach

The second most popular beach — a bit rougher and rockier than Chaweng, but less crowded and with better value for money. At the southern end, the famous Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) — natural rock formations resembling male and female genitalia. Worth a quick photo, not for half a day.

Entry Hin Ta/Hin Yai: free. Parking fee: 20 ฿ (scooter), 50 ฿ (car).

★★ Silver Beach (Thong Takian)

A small, hidden bay between Chaweng and Lamai — the clearest water on all of Samui. Only 200 m wide, framed by large granite rocks. Excellent for snorkeling directly from the beach. Come early (before 10 AM), as the small beach fills up quickly.

Access free, umbrella 150 ฿. Snorkel set: 200 ฿/day.

★ Bophut Beach

Narrow, quiet beach right at the Fisherman's Village. Not the most beautiful swimming beach, but the best location for dining by the sea. The sand is coarser and the water shallower than elsewhere — ideal for toddlers, less for swimming.

★★★ Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

The 12-meter-high golden Buddha statue on a small offshore island (Fan Island), connected by a causeway, is the landmark of Koh Samui. The ascent consists of a steep Naga staircase (serpent staircase balustrade), lined with souvenir stands and food stalls. Once at the top, you have a 360° panoramic view over the northeast coast and the airport. The temple itself is quiet and contemplative — despite the tourist crowds below.

Entry: free (donations welcome). Opening hours: daily 6 AM–6 PM. Appropriate clothing required (knees and shoulders covered — rental sarongs for 50 ฿ at the entrance).

★★ Wat Plai Laem

Only 2 km from Big Buddha is this colorful Chinese-Thai temple on a lake full of catfish. The huge white statue of the 18-armed Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) and the laughing Buddha are impressive photo motifs. Less visited than Big Buddha and at least as beautiful — perhaps even more photogenic.

Entry: free. Fish food for the catfish: 20 ฿. Best in the morning with clear light.

★★ Wat Khunaram — The Mummified Monk

This unassuming temple inland houses the mummified body of Luang Pho Daeng, a monk who died in meditation in 1973 and has not decayed since. He sits in a glass shrine, sunglasses on his nose (to protect the sunken eyes). Morbid? Yes. Fascinating? Also yes. An insight into Thai Buddhist culture that goes beyond the golden temples.

Entry: free. Daily 8 AM–5 PM.

★ Wat Hin Lad — Waterfall Temple

The most atmospheric temple on Samui is hidden in the jungle south of Nathon. A 15-minute hiking trail leads through tropical rainforest to a small waterfall and a meditation center. Much less touristy than Big Buddha — monks still meditate here.

Entry: free (donations welcome). Sturdy footwear recommended.

The former Chinese fishing village of Bophut in the north of Samui has transformed into the island's most charming district — without losing its character. The narrow main street is lined with restored wooden houses in Sino-Portuguese style, now home to boutique hotels, galleries, artisanal ice cream parlors, and excellent restaurants.

★★★ Fisherman's Village Walking Street

Every Friday evening from 5 to 11 PM, the village street transforms into one of the best night markets on the island. Over 100 stalls offer Thai street food, handmade jewelry, silk scarves, and coconut ice cream. Live music from the surrounding bars, fire shows on the beach, and a relaxed atmosphere miles away from Chaweng's party mile.

Pad Thai: 60–80 ฿. Mango Sticky Rice: 80 ฿. Coconut ice cream: 50 ฿. Fresh fruit shake: 60 ฿.

★★ Restaurants & Cafés

The Hut Café — The Instagram-worthy breakfast café with Açaí bowls, avocado toast, and excellent coffee. Breakfast 180–320 ฿ (5–9€). Daily 7:30 AM–4 PM.

Starfish & Coffee — Creative fusion cuisine right by the sea. Try the soft-shell crab with mango salad (380 ฿) or the Massaman curry with duck (320 ฿). Reserve tables on the beach in the evening. Main courses 250–450 ฿.

Karma Sutra — Romantic beach restaurant with cushions in the sand and lanterns. Thai-international cuisine at a high level. Try the Tom Kha Gai (180 ฿) and the grilled Barramundi (420 ฿). Reservation for Friday evening absolutely necessary.

★ Bophut Beach

The beach itself is not Samui's most beautiful — narrow brown sand and shallow water. But the atmosphere at sunset is unbeatable: The silhouette of Koh Phangan on the horizon, lanterns in the beach bars, reggae music in the background. Perfect for a sundowner (Chang beer 80 ฿, cocktails 200–280 ฿).

Koh Phangan (125 km²) is known for one thing above all: the Full Moon Party. But the island offers much more than drunk backpackers with neon paint. In the north and east are hidden some of the most beautiful and quietest beaches in Thailand, in the hinterland, jungle hikes and yoga retreats beckon, and the west coast has become a hotspot for digital nomads.

★★★ Full Moon Party — Haad Rin

The most famous beach party in the world has been held since 1985 at every full moon on Haad Rin Nok — and today attracts 10,000–30,000 revelers. The entire beach transforms into an open-air disco: dozens of sound stages with different music (EDM, techno, reggae, hip-hop, trance), neon-lit fire show artists, fire rope jumping, and cheap bucket cocktails.

What you need to know:

• Entry: 100 ฿ (approx. 2.50€) — collected at the entrance
• Bucket cocktails (Sangsom rum + Red Bull + cola): 200–300 ฿
• Beer bottle: 100–150 ฿
• The party starts around 9 PM, peak is 1–4 AM
• Return boats to Samui run all night (last regular ferry 10 PM, but party boats until 6 AM)

Safety Tips

Caution: The Full Moon Party has a dark side. Every month there are injuries from fire shows, thefts, and occasional drug raids. Carry only as much cash as you need (2,000–3,000 ฿ is enough). Leave passport, credit cards, and valuables in the hotel safe. Wear sturdy shoes (no flip-flops — there are glass shards in the sand). Do not buy drugs — the penalties in Thailand are draconian (up to life imprisonment for possession).

Half Moon & Black Moon Party

As an alternative to the overcrowded Full Moon Party, there is the Half Moon Party (half-moon, in a jungle setting with blacklight) and the Black Moon Party (new moon, smaller venue). Both attract 2,000–5,000 visitors and are considered musically better curated. Entry each 600–800 ฿ including one drink.

★★★ Thong Nai Pan Noi

The most beautiful bay of Koh Phangan — a perfect crescent bay with soft light sand, turquoise water, and a dramatic mountain backdrop. Located at the northeast end of the island, Thong Nai Pan was long only accessible via a bumpy jungle road. Today the road is paved, but the bay has retained its secluded character. There are two bays: Thong Nai Pan Noi (the southern, prettier one) and Thong Nai Pan Yai (the northern, quieter one).

Scooter ride from Thong Sala: 30 minutes. Bungalow directly on the beach: from 1,200 ฿/night (approx. 30€). Longtail boat from Haad Rin: 400 ฿/person.

★★★ Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)

The legendary “Secret Beach” — only accessible by boat or via a challenging 45-minute jungle trail. This seclusion has preserved Bottle Beach from commercialization. Crystal clear water, white sand, a few simple bungalows and restaurants. Thailand as it was everywhere 30 years ago.

Longtail boat from Chaloklum: 100–150 ฿/person (one way). Departure when the boat is full (approx. 6–8 people). Last boat back: around 4 PM. Bungalows: 500–1,000 ฿/night (cash only, no WiFi).

★★ Haad Salad

One of the most beautiful snorkeling bays on the island — located on the northwest coast, with a fringing coral reef directly accessible from the beach. At the western end, small cliffs with rock pools. Several upscale resorts, but also budget options. Perfect sunset spot.

Snorkel set: 150 ฿/day. Kayak: 200 ฿/hour. Restaurant main courses: 120–250 ฿.

★★ Haad Yuan

Phangan's hippie beach — only accessible by boat (from Haad Rin, 100 ฿). Here lives a small community of long-term travelers, yoga practitioners, and dropouts. The famous Eden Garden Bar is perched on a cliff over the sea — cocktails at sunset with one of the best views on the island. Insider tip: The hiking trail from Haad Yuan to Haad Thian leads through untouched jungle (1 hour).

★ Zen Beach

Tiny, almost unknown beach between Haad Rin and Haad Yuan. Only accessible via a path through the forest (15 min from Haad Rin). A small beach restaurant, otherwise nothing. Perfect for a quiet day after the Full Moon chaos.

Koh Tao (21 km²) is the smallest of the three Gulf Islands — and the most important for divers. Nowhere else in the world are more PADI diving certificates issued than here. The combination of warm, calm water (26–30°C year-round), excellent visibility (10–40 m depending on the season), gentle currents, and extremely affordable prices makes Koh Tao the ideal place for a first dive.

★★★ The Best Dive Sites

Sail Rock — The best dive site in the entire Gulf of Thailand. A 40 m high underwater rock halfway between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Huge schools of barracudas, batfish, and with luck, whale sharks (October–March). Only for certified divers. Day trip: 3,500–4,500 ฿ including 2 dives and lunch.

Chumphon Pinnacle — Granite rocks at 12–36 m depth, covered with pink and purple anemones. The best chance for whale shark sightings. For advanced divers (from Open Water with experience). Strong currents possible.

Japanese Garden — Shallow, protected reef (5–16 m) perfect for beginners and snorkelers. Turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, and soft corals in all colors. Directly accessible from Koh Nang Yuan.

Twins — Two granite rocks at 8–18 m depth with a variety of hard corals. Frequent reef sharks, moray eels, and barracudas. Good intermediate dive site.

★★★ Koh Nang Yuan

Three tiny islands connected by a narrow sandbank — one of the most photographed motifs in Thailand. Only 15 minutes by longtail from Koh Tao. The viewpoint (20 min ascent) offers a breathtaking 360° view. Snorkeling off the east side is excellent: turtles, reef sharks, and colorful corals at 2–5 m depth.

Entrance: 100 ฿. No plastic bottles allowed (water only in reusable bottles). Longtail boat from Mae Haad: 200 ฿ round trip.

★★ Snorkeling Without a Boat

Koh Tao has some of the best shore snorkeling spots in Thailand:

• Aow Leuk — Protected bay with intact reef from 2 m depth. Entrance 50 ฿. Turtles frequent!
• Shark Bay (Haad Thian) — Blacktip reef sharks in knee-deep water (harmless). Best spot: mornings before 9 AM
• Tanote Bay — Rocky bay with rock jumping opportunities and good snorkeling. Snorkel set on site: 100 ฿/day
• Mango Bay — In the north, quiet and with large schools of fish. Only accessible by boat or scooter (steep road)

Koh Tao is the cheapest and most popular place in the world to get a diving certificate. Over 70 dive schools compete for students — this lowers prices and raises quality. Most schools offer courses in German.

PADI Open Water Diver (Beginner)

Duration: 3–4 days | Price: 9,800–11,000 ฿ (approx. 250–280€)
Content: Theory (self-study + classroom), pool exercises (Confined Water), 4 open water dives up to 18 m depth.
Included: Equipment, teaching materials, PADI certification, often 2 nights accommodation free.
Requirement: Ability to swim, 10 years old, medically fit.

PADI Advanced Open Water

Duration: 2 days | Price: 8,500–10,000 ฿ (approx. 215–255€)
Content: 5 adventure dives (deep diving, navigation + 3 elective modules like night diving, wreck diving, naturalist). Maximum depth: 30 m.
Requirement: PADI Open Water Diver.

Discover Scuba Diving (Introductory)

Duration: 1 day | Price: 3,000–3,500 ฿ (approx. 75–90€)
No certification, but a dive up to 12 m in open water after a short pool briefing. Perfect to find out if diving is for you.

Dive School Recommendations

Crystal Dive — Koh Tao's largest dive school (since 1994). Professional, well-organized, German-speaking instructors available. At Mae Haad and Sairee Beach. Open Water: 9,800 ฿ including 2 nights accommodation.

Ban's Diving Resort — The other large school, directly at Sairee Beach. Own pool, modern equipment. Open Water: 9,800 ฿ including accommodation. Good reputation among German divers.

Big Blue Diving — Known for the family atmosphere and social life after diving. Own bar and accommodations. Open Water: 10,500 ฿ including 3 nights in dorm.

Important Notes

• Medical Check: You must fill out a health questionnaire. For asthma, heart disease, or epilepsy, you need a medical certificate
• No flying after diving: At least 18–24 hours waiting time before flying or a boat trip over open sea
• Insurance: Check if your travel insurance covers diving. DAN (Divers Alert Network) offers additional insurance from about 35€/year
• Negotiate: Always ask for the inclusive package (accommodation, equipment, teaching materials). In the low season (May–September), discounts of 10–15% are common

The Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago of 42 uninhabited islands — densely forested limestone cliffs, emerald green lagoons, hidden beaches, and caves. The park was the inspiration for Alex Garland's novel “The Beach” (although the film was shot on Koh Phi Phi). This is one of the most spectacular places in all of Thailand — and surprisingly easy to reach.

★★★ Day Trip from Koh Samui

Most visitors experience Ang Thong as a day trip by speedboat from Koh Samui (also possible from Koh Phangan). A typical day:

• 7:30 AM: Hotel pickup
• 9:00 AM: Arrival at the Viewpoint Trail on Koh Wua Talap (main island). 500 steps up to the panoramic view over the entire archipelago — breathtaking
• 10:30 AM: Kayak through mangrove forests and to hidden beaches
• 12:00 PM: Lunch (included in the tour price)
• 1:00 PM: Snorkeling on the north side (visibility variable, 5–15 m)
• 2:00 PM: Thale Nai — the famous emerald green saltwater lagoon, nestled in limestone cliffs. The ascent (15 min) is steep, but the view down to the bright green water in the crater is unforgettable
• 4:30 PM: Return to Samui

Prices & Providers

Speedboat Tour: 1,800–2,500 ฿ (approx. 45–65€) per person including national park fee (300 ฿), lunch, snorkeling equipment, and kayak. Duration: approx. 8 hours.

Longtail Boat Tour: 1,200–1,500 ฿ — slower, but more atmospheric. Fewer stops, more time per stop.

Private Speedboat: From 15,000 ฿ for up to 10 people — worth it from 4 people for maximum flexibility.

★★ Overnight in the Park

To avoid the tourist crowds, you can stay overnight on Koh Wua Talap — in simple bungalows (800 ฿/night for 2 people) or in a tent (150 ฿ for tent pitch, bring your own tent, or 300 ฿ for rental tent). In the mornings and evenings, you have the park almost to yourself. Booking through the National Park website (dnp.go.th) — often booked out weeks in advance.

Chumphon is for most travelers just the gateway to the islands — this is where the ferries to Koh Tao depart. But the mainland province deserves more than just a transit. If you have a day to spare, it's worth a stay.

★★ Chumphon Town & Surroundings

The small provincial capital (33,000 inhabitants) is an authentic Thai place without mass tourism. The night market at Tha Tapao Pier (daily 5–10 PM) offers excellent street food at local prices: fried mussels (40 ฿), grilled squid (60 ฿), Som Tam papaya salad (40 ฿). The atmosphere is genuinely Thai — you might be the only Farang (Westerner).

★★ Beaches Around Chumphon

Thung Wua Laen Beach — The most beautiful beach in the province: 4 km of white sand, calm water, hardly visited. A few small resorts and restaurants, but miles away from the commercialization of Samui. Perfect beach day for 500 ฿ (deck chair 100 ฿, lunch 150 ฿, drinks 250 ฿).

Haad Sai Ri — Closer to town, somewhat busier. A good compromise between infrastructure and tranquility.

Getting to the Islands

From Chumphon, ferries and speedboats depart daily:

• Lomprayah Catamaran to Koh Tao: 7 AM and 1 PM. Duration: 1:45 hrs. Price: 600 ฿. The fastest and most comfortable way
• Songserm to Koh Tao: 7 AM. Duration: 2:45 hrs. Price: 450 ฿. Slower, but cheaper
• Night Ferry: Departure 11 PM, arrival Koh Tao 5 AM. Price: 400 ฿ (deck) / 600 ฿ (mattress). Saves a night of accommodation

From Bangkok to Chumphon: Night train from Hua Lamphong Station (departure 7:30 PM, arrival 4:30 AM). Sleeper car: 600–900 ฿. Alternatively: VIP bus from Southern Bus Terminal (8 hrs, 550 ฿) or flight to Chumphon or Surat Thani (from 1,200 ฿ with Nok Air or AirAsia).

★★★ Koh Samui

Chaweng Walking Street — Samui's party mile with dozens of bars, clubs, and ladyboy cabaret shows. Soi Green Mango is the epicenter: Green Mango Club (no entrance fee, drinks from 150 ฿), Ark Bar (beach club with pool parties, the biggest party on Wednesdays and Fridays), and Solo Bar (rooftop cocktails, upscale). The atmosphere is international, loud, and energetic — comparable to Bangla Road in Phuket, but a bit more relaxed.

Lamai Night Plaza — Quieter than Chaweng, with Muay Thai fights (Monday, Friday, 9 PM, 1,500 ฿ ringside), bars, and live music. More locals mix with tourists here.

Nikki Beach — The luxurious beach club at Lipa Noi Beach. Sunday brunch with DJ: 2,900 ฿ including champagne, cocktails, and buffet. Elegant but without the stress of Chaweng. Dress code applies.

★★ Koh Phangan (outside Full Moon)

Srithanu & Zen Beach — The west coast has a growing scene of sunset bars and yoga cafés. Amsterdam Bar (reggae, sunset over the sea, cheap cocktails 150 ฿). Dots (chill beach club with swing seats over the water).

Thong Sala Night Market — Fantastic street food (Pad Thai 60 ฿, grilled fish 100 ฿) and lively atmosphere. Daily from 5 PM.

Secret Mountain Party — Occasional techno events on a mountain top with panoramic views. Info through word of mouth and hostel notices.

★ Koh Tao

Sairee Beach — The main street is lined with bars. Fizz Bar (beachfront, fire shows at 10 PM, cocktails 180 ฿). Maya Beach Club (the biggest party, especially on Saturdays). Castle Bar (on a cliff, spectacular sunset). Koh Tao's nightlife is relaxed and village-like — those looking for a party are better off on Samui or Phangan.

The culinary quality on the Gulf Islands is surprisingly high — both for authentic Thai food and international cuisine. Prices are 20–50% higher than on the mainland, but still a fraction of European prices.

★★★ Street Food & Night Markets

Lamai Night Market (Koh Samui) — The most authentic night market on the island, Sundays and Wednesdays from 5 PM. Locals eat here: grilled pork skewers (Moo Ping, 10 ฿/piece), Pad Thai (60 ฿), Som Tam (40 ฿), Mango Sticky Rice (80 ฿). Best to come with an empty stomach — and try at least 5 stalls.

Thong Sala Night Market (Koh Phangan) — Daily from 5 PM at the pier. Fresh grilled fish (whole Barramundi: 150 ฿!), Rotee (Thai crepes with banana and Nutella, 40 ฿), green curry (60 ฿). Better and cheaper than any restaurant.

Sairee Village Food Stalls (Koh Tao) — Small food stalls along the main street. Khao Pad (fried rice): 60–80 ฿. Tom Yam Kung (shrimp soup): 100 ฿. Phad Krapao (basil minced meat with fried egg): 70 ฿.

★★★ Top Restaurants

The Tarua Samui (Koh Samui) — Upscale Thai cuisine in a beautiful garden restaurant in Bophut. The signature dish: Massaman curry with 12-hour braised beef (380 ฿). Vegetarian menu excellent. Reservation recommended. Main courses 280–550 ฿.

Peppina (Koh Samui) — The best pizza on the islands — run by an Italian expat, with imported ingredients and a real wood-fired oven. Margherita: 290 ฿. Truffle pizza: 490 ฿. Often a 30-minute wait, but worth it.

Phantip Food Market (Koh Phangan) — Covered food court in Thong Sala with 15+ stalls. Each stall has its specialty. Highlight: the Khao Soi stall (northern Thai curry noodle soup, 80 ฿) and the sushi stall (Nigiri from 30 ฿/piece).

Barracuda Restaurant (Koh Tao) — Fine dining on Koh Tao? Yes, and it works. Fusion cuisine with fresh fish directly from the fishermen. Tuna Tataki: 350 ฿. Three-course menu: from 900 ฿. Reservation necessary.

★★ Vegetarian & Vegan

Thai cuisine is naturally vegetarian-friendly — say “Jay” (เจ, vegan/Buddhist) or “Mang Sa Wirat” (มังสวิรัติ, vegetarian). On the islands, there are also many western vegan cafés:

• Goodsouls Kitchen (Koh Phangan) — Vegan café in Srithanu. Buddha Bowls: 180 ฿. Kombucha: 80 ฿
• Veggie Samui (Koh Samui) — Purely plant-based restaurant in Lamai. Cashew curry: 160 ฿. Smoothie bowls: 150 ฿
• PANA (Koh Tao) — Health-food café with the best smoothie bowls on the island (180 ฿)

Price Comparison (Typical Dinner)

Budget (under 150 ฿ / 4€): Street food stall, food stall, 7-Eleven microwave meals (yes, they are better than you think)

Mid-range (150–350 ฿ / 4–9€): Beach restaurant, Thai restaurant, simple western café

High-end (350–800 ฿ / 9–20€): Fine dining, beach clubs, upscale fusion cuisine

The three main islands in the Gulf are close to each other and connected by several daily ferry connections. An island-hopping trip is the best way to experience the region. Here is the detailed plan:

★★★ The Classic Route (10–14 Days)

Koh Samui (3–4 days) → Koh Phangan (3–4 days) → Koh Tao (3–4 days)

Most travelers start on Samui (airport) and work their way to the smaller, quieter islands. This order has a psychological advantage: Each island feels more secluded and authentic than the previous one. You end on Koh Tao — the most relaxed of the three.

Ferry Connections & Prices

Budget Planning Per Island/Day

Koh Samui:

• Budget: 1,500–2,500 ฿/day (38–65€) — Guesthouse, street food, scooter
• Mid-range: 3,000–5,000 ฿/day (75–130€) — 3-star resort, restaurant, excursions
• Luxury: 8,000–20,000 ฿/day (200–500€) — 5-star resort, fine dining, private tours

Koh Phangan:

• Budget: 800–1,500 ฿/day (20–38€) — Bungalow, street food, scooter
• Mid-range: 2,000–4,000 ฿/day (50–100€) — Beach resort, restaurant

Koh Tao:

• Budget: 700–1,200 ฿/day (18–30€) — Dorm/Bungalow, food stall
• Mid-range: 1,500–3,500 ฿/day (38–90€) — Boutique resort, diving courses

Timing Tips

Plan for the Full Moon Party: If you want to experience the Full Moon Party, plan your Phangan stay around the full moon. Arrive 1–2 days before, depart the day after (or 2 days after to recover).

Plan for a diving course: The Open Water Diver on Koh Tao takes 3–4 days. Do not book on the last day — you need a 24-hour break before flying.

Best travel time: January to April (dry season, calm sea, best visibility for diving). The rainy season (October–December) brings heavy but short showers and occasionally stormy seas that can cancel ferries.

Express Route (7 Days)

Short on time? Then focus on 2 islands: Samui (3 days) + Koh Tao (4 days, including diving course) or Samui (3 days) + Koh Phangan (4 days, if Full Moon Party is on). Do not miss the Ang Thong day trip from Samui.