Whether you’re here solo, with a partner, or among family and friends, Samui and its sister islands offer paradise all within easy reach.
Koh Madsūm
If you haven’t yet heard of Pig Island, that’s part of its charm. Officially called Koh Madsūm, this speck of paradise off Samui’s southern coast has become the island’s most heartwarming discovery. The tale begins when pigs first arrived from the mainland after locals brought them to the island; they continued to breed and soon became a magnet for tourists during the COVID pandemic. Fast-forward, and the pigs now paddle in turquoise shallows, lounge under coconut palms, and star in countless holiday photos. Beyond the novelty, there’s something delightfully grounding about Koh Madsum: the gentle crash of the waves, the simplicity of a wooden beach bar, the laughter of day-trippers who come for a swim and stay for the serenity. Arrive early to avoid the crowds, order a coconut, and watch as the pigs wade by like seasoned locals. Samui has many stories, but few as endearing—or as sabai—as this one.
Koh Tao hiking
For travellers seeking a dash of mystery with their adventure, Koh Tao’s abandoned resort hike delivers. Starting near Sairee Beach, the trail winds through village lanes before climbing into dense jungle towards Laem Thian on the island’s eastern edge. It’s about an hour’s hike—rugged, rewarding, and refreshingly off the beaten path. At the top, you’ll find the ghostly remains of a once-grand resort: bungalows overtaken by vines, verandas open to the sea breeze, silence broken only by cicadas.
Koh Tao Secret Party
By day, Koh Tao drifts in coral serenity and barefoot ease. By night, it ignites—music pulsing through palms, light sculpting the jungle canopy. Invitation-only parties bring together creative souls, boutique bars, and bamboo-cup cocktails. Between deep beats and fairy-lit lounges, the island is abuzz with intimacy, artistry and rhythm. Come for the calm, stay for the secret. FB: Secret party Koh Tao
Nangyuan
Just a ten-minute longtail ride from Koh Tao lies Koh Nangyuan-three tiny islands linked by ribbons of white sand that look almost too beautiful to be real. The water here is so clear it feels like floating through glass. Divers descend into a kaleidoscope of coral at Red Rock and Green Rock, while snorkellers drift lazily through the Japanese Gardens, a popular dive site surrounded by butterflyfish and blue tangs that will take your breath away.
After a morning in the water, follow the shaded trail to the island’s famous viewpoint. The short climb rewards you with one of Thailand’s most iconic panoramas-a sweep of turquoise sea and ivory sandbars that seem painted by hand. Koh Nangyuan manages to feel exclusive yet unpretentious, a sanctuary where time slows and nature takes the spotlight. Arrive early, stay lightly, and let the island remind you that paradise often comes in small, perfect doses.
Kayaking in Angthong National Park
A day in Ang Thong National Marine Park feels like entering another world. This protected cluster of 42 islands northwest of Samui brims with limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and timeless beaches. Explore secret caves and jade coves by kayak where monkeys call from above. Climb Koh Mae Koh’s viewpoint for sweeping cinematic vistas, then snorkel Koh Tai Plao’s coral reefs alive with colour. Between adventures, pause for a beachside lunch beneath the palms, waves lapping at your feet. Every moment here blends exploration with serenity.
Guan Yin Chinese Temple, Koh Phangan
Set on a quiet hillside on Phangan Island, the Guan Yin Chinese Temple is a graceful retreat shaped by traditional Chinese architecture and meticulous craftsmanship. The multi-building complex, dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, unfolds across terraces lined with ornate roofs, vivid motifs and serene courtyards. Visitors climb gently through the grounds, rewarded with breezy views over the island and glimpses of daily rituals. It’s a place to pause, reflect and recharge — a calm counterpoint to the island’s busier stretches and a reminder of the enduring pull of considered design and quiet devotion.
