Island hopping to Ko Samui

This module lets you hop between the best known islands of southeast Thailand in just one week. You will travel from the mainland to the diving paradise of Ko Tao, and then on to beautiful Ko Pha Ngan, famous for its full-moon parties. You will then round off your trip on Ko Samui, a modern resort island with fantastic facilities and enchanting crescent beaches. These islands are located in the tropical Gulf of Thailand. They have everything you would expect of Thai islands- dreamy beaches, relaxed atmospheres, welcoming communities, and exotic marine life. They are all close to the Ang Thong Marine Park, a protected area of outstanding natural beauty with an awe-inspiring underwater world.

As you will end up on Ko Samui, you can either fly back to Bangkok, or you can continue to south via Surat Thani. Should you wish, you can also do this module the other way round, island-hopping from Ko Samui to Ko Tao.

Duration	7 days/6 nights Departs daily from Chumphon or Surat Thani	Accommodation	Six nights in comfortable hotels on the beach. Samui and Ko Tao with air conditioning, Ko Pha Ngan with fan. All with private bathroom and shower. Comfort level 3 (see accommodation)
Price	£225 per person - based on two people	Includes	Ferry transport between islands. Accommodation including breakfast (except on Ko Pha Ngan). Day trip to Angthong Marine Park.
Travel	Ferry, boat	Excludes	Travel to Chumphon or Surat Thani. Other meals and excursions. On Ko Pha Ngan breakfast is not included.

Day 1: Chumphon - Ko Tao

Most travellers arrive in Chumphon via the overnight bus from Bangkok, as this has the best connections with the ferry. When you arrive at the bus station, you'll arrange yourself a quick taxi/tuk tuk to the pier. From here, you'll catch a boat to the first island on the agenda- Ko Tao. We'll organise your ferry tickets and reservations in advance. The journey will take about 2 hours- a perfect opportunity to sunbathe and take in the exotic scenery. When you arrive on the island, you will be driven through the interior of the island to your resort (approx. 15 minutes). You'll stay at a hotel right on the beach with its own infinity pool. Stretch out on a lounger and enjoy the incredible view. You have the rest of the day to do exactly as you wish- relaxing on the beach, reading, walking, snorkelling, beachcombing, snoozing...

It is also possible to travel to Chumphon from Kanchanaburi or Hua Hin. If you're coming from the south, you can choose to do this module in reverse, beginning on Ko Samui and ending on Ko Tao.

Day 2: Staying on Ko Tao

The coral reefs surrounding this island are amongst the most beautiful in Thailand and the cost of diving courses here are extremely low. An introduction dive costs about £35 pp- so what are you waiting for? There's a dive shop near your resort, selling and renting all of the equipement that you may need. Nearly all the diving instructors who work on the island are travellers who just couldn't bear to leave, and it's very easy to understand why. You will rainbow-coloured coral and exotic fish in their serene underwater world- a wonderfully eye-opening experience. If you don't want to dive or snorkel, you can just lie back in a hammock and watch the swaying palm trees while sipping a fruit shake or a cold beer.

Day 3: Ko Tao - Ko Pha Ngan

If you would like to qualify for your Open Water diving certificate through a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) course, you can do so on Ko Tao. Otherwise, you will check out this morning and take a taxi to the pier (approx £1), for the ferry ride to Ko Pha-Ngan. Our local agent will provide you with the ferry times.

The crossing to Ko Pha Ngan takes about two hours and you'll be dropped off at Had Rin beach, famous for its Full Moon parties. Your accommodation is located on a much quieter beach with a tropical rainforest backdrop, far from the backpacker throng. The resort is right on the beach, with a swimming pool of its own. If you like, you can coincide your visit to Ko Pha Ngan with the full moon, giving you the opportunity to join the legendary party. If you let us know in advance, we can book you a hotel on the beach at Had Rin. However, if you opt to stay on Had Rin over full moon, don't expect to get much sleep. The party really does last all night.

Day 4: Staying on Ko Pha Ngan

Today, your time is coompletely your own. You can take a trip up to the highest point on the island- Kao Ra. This breathtaking viewpoint is 627m high. During the trip to the summit, you may well come across cheeky monkeys and possibly a herd of pigs. The resort reception will give you detailed information about the route.

If you're not feeling so energetic, just take it easy in the sea and enjoy the sunshine. The average water temperature is wonderfully warm, around 25°C. Eat at romantic candlelit restaurants on the beach with the golden sand between your toes, enjoying delicious fish dishes and tropical cocktails. Indulge yourself in island life, where the pace is slow, the beer is cold, and the temperature is hot.

Day 5: Ko Pha Ngan - Ko Samui

Today, you will make another quick hop from Ko Pha Ngan to Ko Samui. The crossing takes about 50 minutes. You will stay in a bungalow resort set in a beautiful bay with a swimming pool of its own. The bay is encircled by majestic rocks, and there are only a few hotels, so it is a wonderufl spot to unwind. If, during the evening you’re up for something lively, just hop on a passing songtaew (pickup truck) and within minutes you’ll be in the midst of Chaweng's frenetic nightlife. You'll also find plenty of restaurants here, and you can lighten your pockets at the night market.

You are very welcome to upgrade your stay on Ko Samui to a luxury resort right on popular Lamai beach. All rooms have a television, a minibar, a hair dryer and any other creature comforts you might need. Just include this in your quote request form, and we'll put the arrangements in place.

Day 6: Ko Samui

You'll be collected this morning for a full day on the crystal clear water. The boat trip takes you to the wonderful islands of the Ang Thong National Park, made of limestone rock formations that thrust up vertically from under the water. You'll travel past idyllic beaches and glassy lagoons half hidden among the craggy cliffs. The thick forest, lagoons and the beaches make these islands a natural wonder. You can also snorkel over coral gardens and see brightly coloured fish of all shapes and sizes. You will travel back to Ko Samui as the sun slowly sinks into the horizon. If this is the last day of your Thailand trip, it will be a magical end to your holiday.

Day 7: Depart Ko Samui

You can take one more dip in the sea this morning before checking out of your resort. You can extend your visit on Ko Samui if you wish- otherwise it's time to travel onwards.

We can arrange your ferry back to Surat Thani, and sleeper train back to Bangkok if required. Or if you're heading straight home then a direct flight from Ko Samui to Bangkok, allows you to connect straight onto your flights home. Please note this is an additional cost.

A peek at your accommodation

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