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Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in 3 nights and 4 days: Which should you choose, temples or island tours?

A is ideal for travelers who want to see Koh Samui’s temples, natural scenery, and Ang Thong Marine Park. B suits travelers who want to take a ferry to Koh Phangan and enjoy Thong Sala Market, beaches, viewpoints, and sunset bars.

Koh Samui Airport (USM) is about 1 hour 10–20 minutes by direct flight from Bangkok. It takes about 10–15 minutes to drive from the airport to Chaweng. On the island, use taxis or songthaews; Grab availability may be limited. Ferries to Koh Phangan include the Mae Nam–Thong Sala route, about 30 minutes one way, and the Bangrak–Thong Sala route, about 20–30 minutes. Check the timetable for your travel date.

Koh Samui’s rainiest months are generally October–December. Ang Thong Marine Park may close from November through mid-December depending on wet-season conditions, so check whether it is open before your trip.

Source: Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · Explore Samui: Getting Around Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui Getting Around: Songthaew, Grab, Taxi & Scooter 2026 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (2026) 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry: times, prices, piers (2026) 2026-10-26 · Siam Travel: Rainy season in Thailand 2026-10-26 · Speed Boat day tours to explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park 2026-10-26

3 Nights, 4 Days A | Temples, Sea, and an Ang Thong Nature Tour

Explore northeastern temples and the coastal village of Bophut on day one, then visit the southern coast and a waterfall the next day. Enjoy a boat tour of Ang Thong Marine Park on day three, then head to the airport on the final day.

Source: TAT: Vacay invites you to discover the beauty of Koh Samui 2026-10-26 · Amazing Thailand: Wat Plai Laem 2026-10-26 · 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26 · 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26 · Speed Boat day tours to explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park 2026-10-26

Day 1 | From the Airport to Northeastern Temples and Bophut

After arriving at USM, leave your bags at your accommodation and explore the northeastern temples and Bophut.

  1. Koh Samui Airport → Chaweng accommodation

    The official airport shuttle to Chaweng, Bophut, and Choeng Mon costs 140 baht per person one way, or 380 baht one way for a vehicle carrying 1–4 people. Chaweng is about a 10–15-minute drive away. A direct flight from Bangkok takes about 1 hour 10–20 minutes.

  2. Chaweng → Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) · Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) · Phra Yai, Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai)

    It takes about 15 minutes by car. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before climbing the Buddha pedestal.

  3. Big Buddha → Wat Plai Laem

    Travel between the nearby northeastern temple sites by taxi or ride-hailing car. The temple is open daily from 06:00–18:00. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. See the Guanyin statue on the lake and the laughing Buddha, and remove your shoes inside buildings.

  4. Wat Plai Laem → Fisherman’s Village, Bophut · Friday Walking Street

    Head to the Bophut waterfront for a seaside stroll and dinner. The Walking Street market generally runs on Fridays from 17:00–23:00 and is free to enter. Try Kavin’s Kitchen or Spice Bophut for dinner, then stop by Adlib Café & Vinyl Samui afterward.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Kawin’s Kitchen Fisherman villageFood · Spices BophutCafés · Adlib Cafe & Vinyl Samui

Source: Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai): Dress Code, Hours & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · Amazing Thailand: Wat Plai Laem 2026-10-26 · 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26 · Fisherman’s Village, Bophut — Things to Do & How to Visit 2026-10-26

Day 2 | Lamai Rocks and Na Muang Waterfall

Explore the southeastern beaches and coastal rocks, then head inland to a waterfall in the south.

  1. Chaweng → Lamai Beach

    A taxi or Grab costs 250–400 baht one way; a songthaew costs 50–100 baht per person. The journey usually takes about 10–15 minutes. Stroll along Lamai Beach, then try Wild Tribe Café or Nana Tam for lunch.

  2. Lamai Beach → Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) · Hin Ta Hin Yai · Hin Ta Hin Yai

    Follow the southern coast of Lamai by car. Viewing the rocks is free. Take in the coastal views and browse the stalls at the entrance for local kalamae sweets.

  3. Hin Ta Hin Yai → Na Muang Waterfall

    Take a taxi or Grab inland to the south. The drive from Chaweng to the waterfall is listed as about 22–40 minutes. Admission to Na Muang Waterfall is free. Explore the falls and mountain trails.

  4. Na Muang Waterfall → Dinner in Lamai

    Return to Lamai for dinner and nightlife by the sea. Dine at Pink Orchid Restaurant or stop by Crystal Bay Beach Club.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapCafés · Wild Tribe CaféFood · Nana TamFood · Pink Orchid Restaurant

Source: Lamai Beach: How to Get To 2026-10-26 · Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks — Things to Do & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui Taxi Prices 2026: Fair Fare Checker 2026-10-26

Day 3 | Ang Thong Marine Park Boat Tour

Explore the marine park’s 42 islands northwest of Koh Samui on a day tour with an authorized operator.

  1. Koh Samui accommodation → Ang Thong Marine Park

    Book a speedboat tour with an authorized operator. The adult tour costs 1,890 baht; the 300 baht park admission fee for foreign adults is extra. The park is open from 08:00–17:00. Depending on the tour, you can enjoy lagoon views, kayaking, or snorkeling.

  2. Ang Thong Marine Park → Koh Samui accommodation

    When booking, check whether your tour includes return transfers to your accommodation. For dinner, try Thai KICK Prapao or Prego Samui in Chaweng.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Tai Kik Pla PaoFood · Prego Samui

Source: Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visitor Information 2026-10-26 · Angthong Marine Park: Information and Guide 2026-10-26 · Speed Boat day tours to explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park 2026-10-26

Day 4 | Stroll in Chaweng, Then Head to the Airport

Have a light meal in Chaweng to fit your flight schedule, then travel to USM.

  1. Chaweng accommodation → Chaweng Beach

    You can walk to the beach from central Chaweng. After a stroll, enjoy brunch at Flo Coffee Roasters.

  2. Chaweng → Koh Samui Airport

    It takes about 10–15 minutes by car from Chaweng to the airport. The official shuttle costs 140 baht per person one way, or 380 baht one way for a vehicle carrying 1–4 people.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapCafés · Flo Coffee Roaster (Chaweng)

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 2026-10-26 · Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26

3 Nights, 4 Days A Confirmed Admission and Transport Costs (per adult)

Northeastern temples 0 + songthaew to Lamai 50–100 + Na Muang Waterfall 0 + Ang Thong tour 1,890 + park admission 300 + shared airport shuttle to Chaweng 140 = total 2,380–2,430 baht. Temple donations, transport to Lamai and the waterfall, and airport transport to your accommodation are extra.

Source: Lamai Beach: How to Get To 2026-10-26 · 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26 · Speed Boat day tours to explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26

3 Nights, 4 Days B | Koh Phangan Markets, Beaches, and Sunset Bars

Explore northeastern Koh Samui and Bophut on day one, then take a ferry to Koh Phangan on day two for the market and nightlife on the west coast. On day three, visit northern beaches, a viewpoint, and a sunset bar. Return to Koh Samui on day four and head to the airport.

Source: Amazing Thailand: Wat Plai Laem 2026-10-26 · 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (2026) 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Getting Around 2026-10-26

Day 1 | Northeastern Samui and the Bophut Waterfront

Leave your bags at your Chaweng accommodation after arriving at the airport, then explore the northeastern temples and Bophut’s coastal village.

  1. Koh Samui Airport → Chaweng accommodation

    The official airport shuttle to Chaweng, Bophut, and Choeng Mon costs 140 baht per person one way for a shared shuttle, or 380 baht one way for a vehicle carrying 1–4 people. Chaweng is about a 10–15-minute drive away.

  2. Chaweng → Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) · Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) · Phra Yai, Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai)

    It takes about 15 minutes by car. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the temple, and remove your shoes at the Buddha pedestal.

  3. Big Buddha → Wat Plai Laem

    Visit the northeastern temple sites in succession by taxi or ride-hailing car. Open daily from 06:00–18:00, with free admission. See the Guanyin statue on the lake and the laughing Buddha, and remove your shoes inside buildings.

  4. Wat Plai Laem → Fisherman’s Village, Bophut · Friday Walking Street

    Head to Bophut for a seaside stroll and dinner. The Walking Street market generally runs on Fridays from 17:00–23:00 and is free to enter. Have dinner at Kavin’s Kitchen or Omsin Restaurant, then check out U Bar at night.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Kawin’s Kitchen Fisherman villageFood · Omsin RestaurantCocktail bars · WOOBAR

Source: Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai): Dress Code, Hours & How to Visit 2026-10-26 · Amazing Thailand: Wat Plai Laem 2026-10-26 · 태국관광청: 보풋 워킹 스트리트 2026-10-26

Day 2 | Thong Sala Market and a West Koh Phangan Sunset

Take a ferry from Samui to Koh Phangan, browse Thong Sala Night Market, then enjoy dinner and sunset on the west coast.

  1. Bophut → Bangrak Pier

    Take a taxi or songthaew to Bangrak Pier. Island transport options include taxis, songthaews, and Grab, where available.

  2. Bangrak Pier → Thong Sala Pier

    The Seatran Discovery route takes about 20–30 minutes, with fares from 300 baht one way. Check the official timetable for departure times and service on your travel date.

  3. Thong Sala Pier → Thong Sala Night Market (Pantip Night Market)

    It’s within walking distance of the pier. Admission is free, and the market is open every evening; it is generally busiest from 17:00–22:00. Sample snacks at the market, then try Indigo Café & Eatery Thong Sala or Phangan Food Court for lunch or an early dinner.

  4. Thong Sala → Sri Thanu Coast

    Take a local taxi or songthaew to the west coast. For dinner and sea views, try Sea Love Beach Restaurant or Phangan Sunset Bar & Restaurant.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapCafés · Indigo Cafe & Eatery ThongsalaFood · Phangan Food CourtFood · Phangan Sunset Bar & Restaurant

Source: Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry: times, prices, piers (2026) 2026-10-26 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · Phantip Night Food Market, Thong Sala: Daily on Koh Phangan 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Getting Around 2026-10-26

Day 3 | Northern Beaches, Viewpoints, and a Sunset Bar

Take your time exploring the northern Bottle Beach and the west coast’s viewpoints and sunset spots, which are spread across Koh Phangan.

  1. Thong Sala → Chaloklum

    Take a local taxi or songthaew to Chaloklum in the north. Koh Phangan has no public buses, so use local transport for overland trips.

  2. Chaloklum → Bottle Beach

    The longtail boat takes about 10–15 minutes, with fares listed at 150–300 baht per person one way. Relax at the beach and check return boat times locally. For lunch, consider Haad Khom Restaurant.

  3. Bottle Beach → West Coast Viewpoint

    Travel via Thong Sala by local car or songthaew. Stop by Cocoon Viewpoint to relax and enjoy views of the island’s west coast.

  4. West Coast → Dinner and Sunset

    Have dinner at Phangan Sunset Bar & Restaurant, then enjoy the bar and pub scene at Flip Flop Pharmacy Bar or The Jam Bar.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Haad Khom RestaurantFood · THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINTCocktail bars · Flip Flop Pharmacy BAR

Source: Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat): Location and Access 2026-10-26 · Bottle Beach: Koh Phangan 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Getting Around 2026-10-26

Day 4 | Return to Samui and Head to the Airport

Return to Samui by ferry from Thong Sala, then depart from USM. Plan your ferry and overland transfers around your flight.

  1. Thong Sala → Mae Nam (Pralarn) Pier

    Check Lomprayah departures for your travel date and board a ferry to Mae Nam (Pralarn). The Thong Sala–Mae Nam crossing takes about 30 minutes and costs 250 baht one way.

  2. Mae Nam Pier → Koh Samui Airport

    Take a taxi, songthaew, or available ride-hailing car to the airport. The airport shuttle fare list gives 140 baht per person one way for a shared shuttle to Chaweng, Bophut, and Choeng Mon, or 380 baht one way for a vehicle carrying 1–4 people. Before your flight, you can eat at Khao Hom in Bophut.

Nearby on ThaiTripMapFood · Khao Hom

Source: Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (2026) 2026-10-26 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26

3 Nights, 4 Days B Confirmed Admission and Transport Costs (per adult)

Shared airport shuttle to Chaweng 140 + Bangrak–Thong Sala ferry from 300 + round-trip longtail boat from Chaloklum to Bottle Beach 300–600 + Thong Sala–Mae Nam ferry 250 = total from 990–1,290 baht. Taxis and songthaews on the island and transport to the airport are extra.

Source: SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry: times, prices, piers (2026) 2026-10-26 · Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat): Location and Access 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (2026) 2026-10-26

FAQ

When can I visit Ang Thong Marine Park?

The park is listed as open from 08:00–17:00 and may close from November 1 to December 15 depending on weather. Check the schedule and operating status before your trip.

Where do ferries to Koh Phangan arrive?

Thong Sala is the main ferry arrival point. The Haad Rin Queen runs a direct route from Bangrak to Haad Rin. Check the official timetable for your travel date.

Does the Friday Walking Street open every day?

Bophut Walking Street generally runs on Friday evenings from 17:00–23:00. Vehicle access may be restricted during market hours, so it’s easiest to get out on the main road and walk in.

Official sources & check dates

Site updated: 2026-10-26