Costs
400 THB p.p.
(≈ 10,53 EUR)
Opening hours
Open access (all day)
Koh Phaluai
Koh Phaluai is an untouristy island to the south of the Ang Thong National Parks and a real natural paradise! You won't find this place on a guided tour, and cab boats only run very rarely. If you are currently on Koh Samui and really wanted to visit this ear, then you can take a detour via Donsak Pier (Surat Thani). The passenger ferry Raja Ferryª runs several times a week from the mainland to Koh Phaluai. For around 400 THB per person, you can reach the island in around 1 1/2 hours. The journey from Koh Samui must be added to this (you would have to book this ticket separately).
On the island, you will find quiet beaches, great snorkeling spots and small fishing villages serving fresh seafood. Not far from mass tourism, you may even be lucky enough to spot hornbills up close in the untouched nature. There is also some accommodation on site, which you should ideally book before you arrive. onlineª have booked.
Places of interest in the vicinity
Map
More Koh Samui highlights
Koh Madsum
Koh Madsum is a small island south of Koh Samui, which you can reach by cab boat or on a guided tour. This place is best known for its many island pigs. The pigs live right on the beach and are very open to people. You can watch them play and take some cool souvenir photos together. You should also pack snorkeling equipment, as you can spot parrotfish or even reef sharks in the colourful underwater world! We paid 1000 THB per person for the private cab boat and the entrance fee to the island was 50 THB per person. For two people, the cost was therefore around 55 euros for a day trip including a stop in neighboring Koh Taen. While you explore the islands, the skippers wait in their boat and bring you home safely later.
Namuang Waterfall 2
Hidden in the jungle of Koh Samui is a real gem: Namuang Waterfall 2. It is located above its sister waterfall of the same name, Namuang 1. The path to the top is very adventurous and great fun! It goes over old wooden bridges, over natural stony terrain and up steep cliffs. In some places, you can shimmy up using ropes to cross larger rocks. At various stages you will see small natural pools and beautiful photo opportunities - and at the top: an incredible view over Koh Samui!
I-Talay (Taling Ngam Beach)
On the west coast of Koh Samui, there is an almost untouched stretch of beach and a real insider tip: I-Talay. We discovered this special place by chance on a scooter and have to admit that we think it is the most beautiful beach on the entire island so far! Behind "I-Talay" is actually a beach bar with a lovingly decorated garden in which eye-catching, recycled works of art are on display. The bar is located in Ao Taling Ngam Bay, a fairly unknown place on Koh Samui - so it's no wonder that there are hardly any people here (not even in high season).
Namuang Waterfall 1
he mountains and forests of Koh Samui hide some interesting highlights, including the picturesque Namuang Waterfall 1. It has the number because there are two of them, but they are both quite different (you can find out more below). Namuang Waterfall 1 is located fairly centrally on the island and is easily accessible by scooter or car. Upon arrival at the site, there is a parking fee of 20 THB per scooter or 40 THB per car, but entry to the waterfall is free. On the way there you will pass a few souvenir stores and "dedicated" vendors, so don't let this put you off. The 18-metre-high waterfall is just a few meters from the parking lot and easily accessible.
Koh Taen
On a boat trip to the popular Pig Island south of Koh Samui, you can also make a stop in Koh Taen on the way there or back. Especially with a private longtail boat, it's worth negotiating a daily price (usually around 1000 THB per person) and exploring as many islands as possible! You can also book tours in advance with GetYourGuide. Koh Taen is the largest island in the Samui archipelago - here you can relax on the beach, explore the beautiful Black Mangroves (mangrove forests) or visit the Buddha statue at the top of the mountain. If you set off early in the morning, you could also visit the southernmost island of Koh Rap. This island is a little more remote and offers beautiful untouched nature, as it is rarely visited by tourists.
Ang Thong National Park
Ang Thong National Park (Mu Ko Ang Thong) is located to the west of the two islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Due to its surreal rock formations, it is on almost every bucket list. The place consists of numerous limestone islands and lush green vegetation. There are several highlights such as the emerald green Emerald Lake, the famous Monkey Rock or the beautiful viewpoint Phu Jun Jaras. Other activities include snorkeling, kayaking and hiking. The place served as inspiration for Alex Garland's book & movie of the same name "The Beach". To visit, we recommend a guided day tour with GetYourGuideª. The entrance fee for the national park is 300 THB per person (= approx. 8 euros). The total cost including the booked tour is around 40 euros per person.
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