WhatsApp
+66-957-269-990
- info@gosamuitours.com
Top things to do, day trips and excursions - ranked by real tourist reviews
Planning what to do in Koh Samui and not sure where to start? The island offers an extraordinary range of experiences - from pristine island archipelagos and crystal-clear reefs to jungle jeep rides and ethical elephant sanctuaries. We've ranked the 10 best Koh Samui tours and day trips based on reviews from thousands of tourists who have explored the island with us. Whether you're after sea adventures, active thrills, family-friendly outings or a peaceful day on the water, this guide to Koh Samui things to do in 2026 covers every type of traveler.
Angthong is an essential Koh Samui tour for anyone who loves the sea. This archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand offers sweeping panoramic viewpoints, an emerald lake hidden inside one of the islands, kayaking through dramatic limestone cliffs, and snorkeling above untouched coral reefs. A speedboat gets you there in roughly an hour from Samui's pier.
The day includes: climbing to the viewpoint on Mu Ko island, kayaking through lagoons, visiting the emerald Talay Nai lake, snorkeling near one of the archipelago's islands, and a buffet lunch served right by the water. Hotel transfer, insurance and breakfast at the pier are all included.
This is consistently the most popular boat trip from Koh Samui - and for good reason. The tour works beautifully for families, couples and groups alike. It's available in two formats: a group speedboat tour with an English-speaking guide or an private tour exclusively for your group.
An amazing family experience - we climbed to the viewpoint and the panorama was absolutely breathtaking. Plenty of snorkeling, a great buffet lunch, and the emerald lake was stunning. Every step of the trail was completely worth it!
Sarah M.
Koh Tao is one of the best snorkeling destinations in Thailand and one of the world's top diving spots. An hour and a half by speedboat from Samui brings you to an island with extraordinary water visibility, vibrant coral reefs and an incredible variety of marine life. Just next door is the tiny Nang Yuan - three islands connected by white sand causeways and a legendary hilltop viewpoint.
The tour includes multiple snorkeling stops at Koh Tao's best reefs, a visit to Nang Yuan and the climb to its panoramic viewpoint overlooking all three islands. Lunch, hotel transfer and snorkeling gear are all included. This tour is ideal for first-time snorkelers and experienced divers alike.
The Koh Tao and Nang Yuan tour is one of the longest day trips from Samui (departs at 7:30, returns around 19:00) but every minute is worth it. Peak season runs from November to April, though the tour operates year-round.
Koh Tao is paradise for snorkeling. The water is crystal clear and fish swim right up to your hands. We climbed the viewpoint on Nang Yuan - the view was absolutely fantastic. Would go back without a second thought!
James T.
Jeep safari is the most popular land tour on Koh Samui. The route covers everything a taxi window simply can't show you: jungle mountain villages, hidden waterfalls, twin-coast viewpoints, Buddhist temples and rubber plantations. Choose between modern 4x4 jeeps or the atmospheric military jeeps - both come with a knowledgeable guide.
A full day's itinerary includes: Wat Khunaram temple with the mummified monk, the Bovut viewpoint overlooking Samui, Namuang waterfall, a coconut plantation, an elephant camp visit and lunch at a mountain restaurant. Expect around 8 hours on the road, with hotel pickup included.
Available in two formats: standard jeeps and military jeeps. The first is more comfortable, the second is more atmospheric and photogenic. Suitable for all ages including children from 4 years old.
Best tour we did on the whole trip! Our guide knew every corner of the island. The waterfall, the viewpoint, the temple with the mummified monk - all packed into one incredible day. Lunch at the mountain restaurant was outstanding.
Emma K.
Koh Tan and Koh Madsum are the nearest islands to Samui's southern coast - just 20-30 minutes by boat. Koh Tan is known for pristine coral reefs, clear water and excellent snorkeling. Koh Madsum is the famous pig island: three generations of wild pigs live right at the water's edge and have no fear of people whatsoever - you can feed them straight from your hand.
In a single day you visit both islands, get in a solid snorkeling session, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the beach at Koh Tan, and meet the residents of pig island. A relaxed, easygoing tour suitable for families with children from 3 years old. Hotel transfer is included.
The Koh Tan + Koh Madsum tour is one of the most popular family trips from Samui. Kids especially love it - pigs, fish and a beach all in one day.
We came as a family with our 5-year-old and he absolutely loved Koh Madsum - completely delighted by the pigs! Snorkeling at Koh Tan was great too. Such a calm sea and a fantastic fresh lunch on the beach.
Michael R.
Samui Elephant Kingdom is one of the very few truly ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand where riding is strictly prohibited. The elephants live in natural conditions inside a large forested enclosure in the south of the island. Visitors feed them bananas and sugar cane, bathe alongside them in the river and take close-up photos - all without saddles or circus tricks.
A visit to the elephant sanctuary takes around 3 hours. Included in the price: hotel transfer, a Thai buffet lunch, swimming with the elephants and feeding time. This tour is especially recommended for families with children - the elephants are accustomed to people and behave very gently throughout.
Book the Samui Elephant Kingdom tour online. It's one of the best-selling tours on the island among families and anyone who wants to see elephants in a responsible and ethical setting.
We visited with our kids aged 7 and 10. They were absolutely over the moon - feeding, stroking and swimming alongside the elephant. Such a warm and heartfelt place, you can really feel how well these animals are cared for.
Jessica L.
ATV safari is the top pick for anyone chasing adrenaline and great photos in the same outing. Tracks wind through mountain trails, jungle paths, shallow rivers and off-road terrain across the interior of Samui. Tours run for 2, 3 or 4 hours - the longer you go, the deeper into the island's wild interior the route takes you.
Driving is available from age 16; under-16s ride as passengers. Briefing, safety gear and water are all included. The tracks cater to every skill level - the instructor walks you through the basics first before leading the group into the jungle.
Check options and pricing: ATV quad bikes on Koh Samui. One of the most popular activity tours on the island among younger travelers and adventure seekers.
I love ATVs and Samui's jungle trails didn't disappoint! Great tracks with just the right amount of mud and adrenaline. The instructor was brilliant - no pressure, no rushing. Booked the 3-hour tour and have absolutely zero regrets.
David W.
Koh Madsum, known as pig island, is a one-of-a-kind spot off the southern coast of Samui. Several generations of wild pigs live on this tiny island right at the water's edge. They have no fear of people - they walk right up to you, take food from your hand and pose happily for photos. There is nowhere else quite like it in Thailand.
A trip to pig island usually combines with snorkeling - the water around Koh Madsum is crystal clear with a coral-covered seabed beneath. The half-day program covers: departure from the pier, snorkeling, landing on pig island, lunch and the return journey. One of the most photogenic and unusual tours you can do on Koh Samui.
Full details and booking: Pig Island Koh Madsum tour from Koh Samui. Suitable for children from 3 years old and makes a perfect first island trip of the holiday.
The kids absolutely lost it with excitement! The pigs come right up to you and eat from your hand. Snorkeling in clear water over the coral was another huge highlight. Short tour but incredibly packed - loved every minute!
Lisa P.
The long tail boat is a symbol of Thailand and the most characterful way to explore the islands close to Samui's southern shore. With their distinctive roaring engines, long propeller shafts and colourful flags, these wooden boats have been carrying visitors to Koh Tan, Koh Madsum and nearby islands for decades.
The tour departs from Samui's south coast, stops for snorkeling at coral reefs, calls at pig island Koh Madsum, serves lunch on Koh Tan and then heads back. The whole trip takes around 4 hours and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Masks, fins and a life jacket are included. It's a laid-back, affordable and genuinely Thai way to see the neighbouring islands without any fuss.
Book here: long tail boat island trip from Koh Samui. For anyone wanting a taste of authentic Thai island life, this is the ideal choice.
The long tail is an experience in itself - sounds like a tractor, moves like a rocket! We reached pig island in 20 minutes flat. Brilliant snorkeling, clear water, loads of fish. Simple and perfect - exactly what we were after.
Tom B.
Sea fishing is the tour for those who want to land something big in the Gulf of Thailand. The waters around Samui are home to Spanish mackerel, barracuda, snapper and other prized species. An experienced captain knows the best fishing spots north of the island - you head out at sunrise and return by early afternoon with trophy photos in hand.
The tour runs for 7 hours: departure at 7:00, back by 14:00. All fishing gear, bait, lunch and drinks are included. During slower fishing periods the captain heads to the coral reefs for snorkeling - masks and fins are kept on board. A genuinely great day out for keen anglers and anyone who enjoys life on the water.
Book your trip: sea fishing on Koh Samui. Best months are November to April when the sea is calm and fish are most active.
Came to Samui and simply had to go fishing. We landed two barracudas and a big snapper - the captain knew exactly where to take us. Lunch on board, snorkeling in between. What an incredible day. Already planning to come back next year and do it all over again!
Chris M.
Hawk Adventure Samui is the island's largest jungle adventure park. Ziplines, rope bridges, abseiling and platforms high up in the tropical forest canopy. Two routes to choose from - an 850-metre course for beginners and a full 2-kilometre route for those looking for a proper adrenaline rush.
The park uses professional French-made equipment throughout, with experienced instructors accompanying you at every stage. Recommended from age 5, with weight requirements of 20-110 kg. All gear is included in the price. From the platforms, the views over Samui's jungle and coastline are genuinely spectacular.
Book your adventure: zipline and jungle canopy on Koh Samui. One of the most unique experiences on the island - equally loved by kids and adults.
Our holiday was nearly over and I still hadn't found the courage to go. My friends finally talked me into it - and I am so glad they did! Taking that first step off the platform is something I will never forget. Laughter and happy tears all at once. If I ever come back to Samui, this is my very first stop!
Hannah F.
Still deciding what to do in Koh Samui? Here's a quick guide. If you're after sea and snorkeling, the must-do day trips are Angthong Marine Park, Koh Tao and Koh Tan. For families with children, the elephant sanctuary, pig island and the long tail boat trip are the top-rated activities on the island. If you want active adventures, the jeep safari, ATV quad bikes and Hawk Adventure zipline are consistently ranked as the best koh samui excursions for thrill-seekers. Looking for something peaceful and away from the tourist crowds? A morning of deep sea fishing is the perfect escape.
All 10 tours in this ranking include free hotel transfer from anywhere on Koh Samui, insurance and English-speaking guides. Prices start from just a few hundred baht per person. Book online to secure your place and lock in the price - it takes just a minute and guarantees your preferred departure time.