Inselhopping Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao

About the destination: Ko Samui is an island located off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand. It is geographically part of the Chumphon Archipelago and belongs to Surat Thani Province. However, since 2012, Ko Samui has been granted Municipality status, allowing it to be locally self-governing. It is Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket, covering an area of 228.7 square kilometers. The island has a population of over 63,000 and a hotel occupancy rate of 73 percent, as the number of visitors continues to rise. Ko Samui boasts abundant tourist resources, including sandy beaches, coral reefs, and coconut trees.

About the destination: The small island of Koh Tao is located just north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, and can be easily reached via a public ferry crossing. Flights to Koh Samui are available from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, U-Tapao/Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Depending on the schedule, you may need an overnight stay on Koh Samui (transfer details can be found at the respective hotel). Koh Tao is considered a paradise for divers and snorkelers due to its clear water and diverse underwater world. But individualists, "island collectors," and beach enthusiasts also have Koh Tao on their radar. The island of Nang Yuan, at the northwest tip of Koh Tao, is a popular excursion spot, but Koh Tao itself remains relatively untouched. A paved road leads from the main ferry terminal at Mae Haad Bay south to Chalok Baan Kao, and to the north, it ends in Sairee (other bays can be quite adventurous, so a longtail boat is preferred). In Mae Haad, the island's capital, there are numerous restaurants, hang-out spots, mini-bars, and shops. The service in the hotels is not quite up to the standard of Koh Samui, often staffed by Burmese workers who are very friendly. The main rainy season is short and intense, occurring in November and December (not recommended).