Gulf of Thailand Trio: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan & Koh Samui
Take an overnight bus and ferry to Koh Tao for diving, pass through Koh Phangan, and fly out from Koh Samui on a seamless island loop.
This is the most logical route to explore the three main islands in the Gulf of Thailand: take an overnight bus and ferry combo from Bangkok to Koh Tao, stay for three nights to snorkel or get your diving certification, head to Koh Phangan to see bays and waterfalls, and end in Koh Samui for temples and an Ang Thong marine excursion. The route is one-way, flying out from Samui Airport at the end. The schedule has built-in flexibility, allowing you to swap diving days for the Full Moon Party. It is perfect for groups and water sports enthusiasts.
October to December is the rainy season in the Gulf of Thailand, featuring rough waves; Ang Thong Marine Park is often closed during this period.
Day by day
Day 1 · Overnight Bus South from Bangkok
Depart Bangkok in the evening on a joint bus-and-ferry service, traveling overnight to Chumphon Pier (approx. 8h).
Day 2 · Morning Arrival in Koh Tao
Transfer to a high-speed catamaran from Chumphon to Koh Tao (approx. 2h), and take a taxi from Mae Haad Pier to Sairee Beach (approx. 10m).
Stay: Sairee Beach
Day 3 · Koh Nang Yuan & Viewpoints
Koh Tao（Ko Nang Yuan、John-Suwan Viewpoint）
Take a longtail boat or shuttle boat from Sairee to Koh Nang Yuan (approx. 15m), and return in the afternoon to hike up to a viewpoint.
Koh Nang Yuan charges an island entry fee and plastic bottles are strictly banned on the island.
Stay: Sairee Beach
Day 4 · Around-Island Snorkeling or Diving
Koh Tao（Mango Bay (Ao Mamuang)、Tanote Bay、Shark Bay (Ao Thian Ok)）
Join an around-island longtail boat snorkeling tour (approx. 6h), or head out with a dive shop for two dives, returning to Sairee in the afternoon.
Stay: Sairee Beach
Day 5 · Ferry to Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan（Thong Sala Walking Street & Phantip Market、Haad Yao）
Take a high-speed ferry from Mae Haad Pier to Thong Sala (approx. 1h), and take a taxi to Haad Yao (approx. 20m).
The Thong Sala Saturday Walking Street is only open on Saturday evenings.
Stay: Haad Yao
Day 6 · Koh Phangan's Northern Bays
Koh Phangan（Koh Ma & Mae Haad、Haad Salad、Phaeng Waterfall & Domsila Viewpoint）
Rent a car or take a taxi along the northwest coast to Koh Ma, then continue to Phaeng Waterfall (approx. 40 km in total).
The island's mountain roads are steep; novice scooter riders should be extremely cautious. Book accommodation early around the Full Moon Party.
Stay: Haad Yao
Day 7 · To Koh Samui & Wat Phra Yai
Koh Samui（Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)、Wat Plai Laem、Fisherman's Village Bophut）
Take a ferry from Thong Sala to Koh Samui (approx. 30–50m), take a taxi to Bophut, and visit the Big Buddha Temple in the afternoon.
Stay: Bophut Fisherman's Village
Day 8 · Ang Thong National Marine Park Day Trip
Koh Samui（Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park）
Gather at the pier in the morning and take a speedboat to Ang Thong (approx. 1h) for sightseeing, hiking, and kayaking (approx. 8h in total).
Swimming is prohibited in certain lake areas of the park; wear non-slip shoes for hiking.
Stay: Bophut Fisherman's Village
Day 9 · Hin Ta Hin Yai & Departure
Koh Samui（Hin Ta & Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks)、Chaweng Beach）
Take a taxi from Bophut to the Lamai area (approx. 30m), and head to Samui Airport (approx. 30m).
Flights from Samui Airport are limited and can be expensive; book your tickets well in advance.