Hidden Gems · South of Koh Samui
Southern Islands Koh Samui
Just minutes from Koh Samui’s southern tip — Pig Island, Koh Tan, Koh Rap and a cluster of barely-touched islets offering crystal-clear water, vibrant coral and deserted white sand beaches. Best reached by private boat.
- 15–30 Min from Samui
- 4 Key Islands
- Snorkelling & Swimming
- 100% Private Charter
Just 15 to 30 minutes south of Koh Samui by speedboat lies a cluster of small, largely undeveloped islands that most tourists never visit. While the busy beaches of Chaweng and Lamai fill up daily, these southern gems remain quiet, clean and strikingly beautiful.
Koh Madsum (Pig Island), Koh Tan, Koh Rap and the smaller islets between them offer some of the best snorkelling in the Samui area, with healthy coral gardens, clear turquoise water and the kind of empty beach you thought no longer existed in Thailand.
A private boat charter to the southern islands is one of the most popular day trips we offer — and one of the most rewarding. Half a day gives you time to explore two islands comfortably; a full day lets you go deeper, find your own patch of sand, and linger until the light turns golden on the return.
Locations
South of Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Gulf of Thailand
Distance from Samui
15–30 minutes by speedboat · 30–50 minutes by catamaran
Ideal Duration
Half day (4–5 hrs) or full day (8–9 hrs)
Key Islands
Koh Madsum · Koh Tan · Koh Rap · Koh Som · Five Islands
Activities
Snorkelling · Swimming · Fishing · Beach · Coral viewing
Best Season
December – May (calmest seas, clearest water)
Entry Fee
Koh Madsum: 50 THB/person (paid at the entrance)
20 min from Samui · South
Koh Tan
Snorkelling
Coral Reefs
Village
Swimming
Snorkelling
Coral Reefs
Village
Swimming
25 min from Samui · Southwest
Koh Rap
Calm Bay
Paddle Board
Swimming
Anchor Stop
Calm Bay
Paddle Board
Swimming
Anchor Stop
15 min from Samui · South
Koh Som
Sunset
Photography
Peaceful
Evening Cruise
Sunset
Photography
Peaceful
Evening Cruise
20–30 min from Samui · South & West
Five Islands
Island Hopping
Rock Formations
Secluded
Full Day
Island Hopping
Rock Formations
Secluded
Full Day
Most Iconic Stop · The Southern Islands
Koh Madsum — Pig Island
Outstanding Snorkelling
The southern islands — particularly Koh Tan and Koh Rap — have some of the healthiest coral in the Samui area with good visibility December through May. Equipment is included on all charters.
Close to Samui
Just 15–30 minutes from Koh Samui by speedboat. You can visit two islands in a half-day charter and still be back at your resort for lunch. No long transit times, no wasted holiday.
Pig Island
Swimming with the resident pigs of Koh Madsum is one of those rare travel experiences that surprises even seasoned travellers. Genuinely unique, surprisingly charming, and highly photographable.
Uncrowded & Local
While group tours do visit Pig Island, a private charter means you arrive before the crowds, anchor where you choose, and leave when you want — not when the tour operator says.
Multiple Islands in One Day
A full-day charter covers Pig Island, Koh Tan, the Five Islands and more — each stop offering something different. More variety than any single destination can provide.
Calm, Protected Waters
The southern islands are naturally sheltered by Koh Samui itself from the strongest gulf swells, giving consistently smooth sea conditions ideal for families, children and guests sensitive to motion.
High Season
December – April
Calmest seas, best visibility for snorkelling and the most reliable weather. Pig Island and Koh Tan are at their finest. Book in advance during December–January peak.
Best Snorkelling
Shoulder Season
May – June
Still good conditions with slightly fewer visitors. Water visibility remains excellent. Great for snorkelling and swimming without the peak-season crowds.
Recommended
Mid Season
July – September
Mixed. Mornings are often clear and calm. The southern islands are relatively sheltered, making this a better period than the open-water destinations.
Wet Season
October – November
Higher chance of rain and stronger swells. Day trips to the southern islands are still possible in good weather windows — check with us 24 hours before your departure.
Departure Point
Various Koh Samui pier locations depending on vessel. Confirmed at booking.
Travel Time
15–30 min by speedboat · 30–50 min by catamaran from south Samui.
Sea Conditions
Generally calm — southern islands are sheltered by Koh Samui. Best Dec–May.
What to Bring
Swimsuit, sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), hat, sunglasses, camera. Towels provided on most vessels.
Included on All Charters
Snorkelling gear, soft drinks, water, fruit, snacks, life jackets, English-speaking crew.
Koh Madsum Entry Fee
50 THB per person — paid directly at the island entrance gate. Not included in charter price.
Book This Destination
Super King · Speed Boat
Half-Day — Pig Island & Koh Tan
฿25,000 / / group
★ Most Popular
Super King · Speed Boat
Full-Day — 3 Island Routes
฿50,000/ group
Coco Paradise · Lagoon 500
Full Day — Pig Island & Koh Tan
฿80,000/ group
SERE 71FT · Catamaran
Full Day — Pig Island & Koh Tan
฿125,000/ group
Quick Facts
- 15–30 min from south Koh Samui by speedboat
- 4 key islands — Pig Island, Koh Tan, Koh Rap, Koh Som
- Snorkelling equipment included on all charters
- Koh Madsum entry fee: 50 THB/person (paid at gate)
- Best snorkelling: December – May
Typical Conditions
What is Pig Island and why is it famous?
How far are the southern islands from Koh Samui?
Is snorkelling good at the southern islands?
Can I visit multiple southern islands in one day?
Is a private boat better than a group tour to Pig Island?
From our gallery
