Koh Samui Archipelago

Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, located 550 km South of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand. It's famed for its crystal blue waters, palm fringed powdery white beaches and lively nightlife.

The region is spearheaded by Koh Samui as the main tourist island, Northwards there is the iconic Koh Phangan and the Scuba Diving Mecca of Koh Tao. To the West of Koh Samui is a plethora of stunning deserted islands at the Ang Thong National Marine Park.

As one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, Koh Samui offers a diverse range of attractions and activities that cater to every traveler’s desires. The island’s coastline is adorned with picturesque beaches, each with its own unique charm and character. From the bustling shores of Chaweng Beach, with its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere, to the tranquil sands of Lamai Beach, perfect for relaxation and water sports, Koh Samui’s beaches cater to every preference. To the North East of Samui you have the paradise beach of Choeng Mon and the charming Fisherman’s Village in Bophut which offers a glimpse into the island’s heritage, with its quaint streets lined with historic buildings, trendy boutiques and seafood restaurants serving fresh catches of the day.

Beyond the beaches, Koh Samui is home to a wealth of cultural and natural wonders waiting to be explored. The Big Buddha Temple, with its towering golden statue overlooking the sea, is a symbol of the island’s spiritual heritage. Visitors can also discover hidden gems like the Na Muang Waterfalls, where cascading waters plunge into emerald pools amidst lush jungle surroundings. For those seeking adventure, Koh Samui offers a host of activities ranging from ATV tours and Go karting to jungle trekking and zip-lining through verdant rainforests.

Ang Thong National Marine Park
North-West of Koh Samui is home to the 42 island Ang Thong National Marine Park with its breathtaking landscapes of limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and secluded beaches, ideal for SUP Boarding, hiking, and exploration. Many of the islands are formed from limestone and rise spectacularly from the sea up to heights of over 1,500 feet. The shape and features of these islands are continually changing due to both chemical and weather erosion of the limestone, giving many wonderful shapes, caves and cliffs.

Exploring Koh Mae Koh (Mother Island) promises an remarkable journey to a mesmerizing emerald green seawater lake nestled within the heart of the island, encircled by towering limestone cliffs and linked to the ocean via an underground tunnel. Though reaching this lake entails a challenging ascent, the effort is handsomely repaid with a breathtaking panorama of the entire park.

Another favored destination is “Wua Talap”. Ascending the 500-meter-high hill to its vantage point demands a bit of exertion, yet the reward is unparalleled—a striking vista of the archipelago and the mainland. The experience is undeniably worth the endeavor.

Koh Phangan
Directly North of Koh Samui is Thailand’s 5th largest island, the relatively undeveloped tropical paradise of Koh Phangan which is world famous for its insane Full Moon Parties. The island is also renowned for its lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long, white-sand beaches, spectacular sand banks, hidden coves, waterfalls, hiking trails and over 20 nearby dive sites. Exploring the sights via scooter hire or open Songtaoew along the quiet rustic roads is highly recommended.

Koh Tao
Koh Tao translated as “Turtle Island,” due to its abundance of sea turtles, truly embodies its alternate titles, such as “The Divers Temple” and “The Jewel of The Sea,” boasting some of Thailand’s finest waters for diving and snorkeling. Characterized by rocky formations and swaying coconut trees, Koh Tao offers enchanting shallow beaches and awe-inspiring coastal vistas. Koh Tao harbors an array of underwater wonders, including vast coral reefs and submerged pinnacles awaiting your discovery. Adding to the allure of this remarkable environment is the rich diversity of fish and marine life thriving in the area.

Beyond the dive sites, the island offers excellent fishing opportunities, with snapper, grouper, barracuda, dorado, and King mackerel among the common catches. Asia Poseidon’s seasoned captain is well-versed in the prime spots, enhancing your chances of a good catch.

The mesmerizing 3 islands all connected by a pristine sand bank of Koh Nang Yuan is just a short distance from the west side of Koh Tao.

For more information on the Koh Samui Archipelago you can download this highly informative Bareboat Sailing Guide