Thailand itinerary
Gulf Island Hopper
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao back to back -- the Gulf coast's island trio in 11 days.
Thailand's Gulf islands run on a flipped weather calendar -- driest from January to September, the opposite of the Andaman side. That makes this route a reliable escape when the west coast is in monsoon. Koh Samui is the most developed, Koh Phangan the most social, and Koh Tao is Thailand's cheapest and calmest place to learn to dive.
The route
Bangkok
2 nights
Koh Samui
3 nights
Koh Phangan
3 nights
Koh Tao
3 nights
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Day by day
Days 1–2
Bangkok
The arrival hub: temples, markets, and rooftop food, walkable in the cool season.
- Grand Palace and Wat Pho on the first morning
- Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday and Sunday only)
- Khao San Road for a rowdy final Bangkok night
Days 3–5
Koh Samui
The Gulf's biggest island, on a flipped calendar, driest mid-year.
- Chaweng Beach for the full-service beach day
- Ang Thong Marine Park boat trip (book the day before via your hotel)
- Big Buddha Temple and Fisherman's Village in the evening
- Na Muang waterfall for a crowd-free swim
Tip · Fly Bangkok to Koh Samui on Bangkok Air to save 7 hours versus the overnight train and ferry combination.
Hotels in Koh Samui · Agoda↗Days 6–8
Koh Phangan
Quiet beaches by day, the Full Moon Party by night.
- Haad Rin beach -- site of the Full Moon Party
- Bottle Beach for a quiet swim away from the crowds
- Yoga retreats along Srithanu village on the west coast
- Full Moon Party if your dates align (check the lunar calendar)
Tip · Ferries between the islands run several times a day and take 30 to 60 minutes. No need to book ahead outside peak season.
Hotels in Koh Phangan · Agoda↗Days 9–11
Koh Tao
Thailand's cheapest, calmest place to learn to dive.
- Open Water dive course -- two and a half days, cheapest in Thailand
- Snorkelling at Japanese Gardens reef, accessible by longtail
- Sairee Beach for sunset and cheap pad thai
- Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint hike for the best panorama in the Gulf
Tip · Book your dive course online before arriving. Schools fill up during peak season and a reserved spot saves scrambling.
Hotels in Koh Tao · Agoda↗Load into planner
Plan this trip with your own dates.
Enter your arrival date and we will pre-fill all 11 days. Adjust any stop in the planner.
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