Travel guides › Koh Samui & Koh Phangan
Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in 4 nights and 5 days: temples or island scenery?
Option A suits travelers who want to take their time with Koh Samui’s temples, coastal scenery, and Ang Thong Marine Park. Option B is a better fit if you’d like to spend longer enjoying southern beaches and Koh Phangan’s markets, cafés, and sunset bars.
Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in 4 nights and 5 days: temples or island scenery?
Both itineraries start at Koh Samui Airport and return there on the final day. Get around Samui by taxi, songthaew, or Grab where available, and take the ferry to Koh Phangan.
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 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26
How do you get from the airport to your Koh Samui hotel and on to Koh Phangan?
Koh Samui Airport (USM) is about 1 hour 10–20 minutes from Bangkok by direct flight. It takes around 10–15 minutes to drive from the airport to Chaweng. The official shared shuttle costs ฿140 per person one way to Chaweng, Bophut, or Choeng Mon, or ฿380 per vehicle for 1–4 people. To central Lamai, it costs ฿200 per person or ฿760 per vehicle for 1–4 people.
To reach Koh Phangan, the Lomprayah ferry from Mae Nam (Pralan) to Thong Sala takes about 30 minutes and costs ฿250 one way. The Seatran Discovery ferry from Bangrak to Thong Sala starts at ฿300 one way and takes about 20–30 minutes. Thong Sala is the main arrival point on Koh Phangan; get around the island by songthaew, taxi, and other local transport.
Source: Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (2026) 2026-10-26 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry: times, prices, piers (2026) 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Getting Around 2026-10-26
When is a good time to visit Koh Samui and Koh Phangan?
Koh Samui tends to get frequent rain and rough seas from October to December. Ang Thong Marine Park tours may be suspended from November 1 to December 15, depending on the weather. Check whether the park is open and adjust your island plans accordingly.
Source: Siam Travel: Rainy season in Thailand 2026-10-26 · Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visitor Information 2026-10-26
4 nights, 5 days A | Temples and coastal scenery
Start with northeastern temples and an evening stroll in Bophut, then explore the southern coast and Ang Thong Marine Park. This itinerary focuses on Koh Samui, giving you more time to enjoy its beaches and viewpoints instead of spending a day on Koh Phangan.
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 · Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 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 the northeastern temples and Bophut
After you arrive, drop off your bags in Chaweng or Bophut, then take a relaxed look around the northeastern coast and Bophut village.
- Samui Airport → Chaweng or Bophut
The official shared airport shuttle costs ฿140 per person one way or ฿380 per vehicle for 1–4 people to Chaweng or Bophut. A direct flight from Bangkok takes about 1 hour 10–20 minutes, and the drive from the airport to Chaweng takes around 10–15 minutes.
- Chaweng or Bophut → Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) · Big Buddha · พระใหญ่ เกาะสมุย (วัดพระใหญ่)
Head to Koh Fan in the northeast by taxi or Grab, if available. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Chaweng or 10 minutes from Bophut. Admission is free (donations are welcome). Clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended.
- Big Buddha → Wat Plai Laem · Wat Plai Laem · วัดปลายแหลม → Bophut
Visit the nearby temples one after another by taxi or ride-hailing service. Wat Plai Laem is open daily from 06:00–18:00, and admission is free (donations are welcome). In the evening, enjoy a beach walk and dinner at Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. The Walking Street market generally runs on Fridays from 17:00–23:00. For dinner, consider Kawin’s Kitchen or Spice Bophut.
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 | Lamai Beach and Hin Ta Hin Yai
Head from Chaweng to Lamai in the southeast to see the beach and coastal rock formations, then continue inland to a southern waterfall.
- Chaweng → Lamai Beach
A taxi or Grab costs ฿250–400 one way; a songthaew is ฿50–100 per person. The journey usually takes about 10–15 minutes. Enjoy a stroll and some time to relax at Lamai Beach.
- Lamai Beach → Hin Ta Hin Yai · Hin Ta Hin Yai · หินตาหินยาย
Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the southern end of Lamai. The rock formations are free to visit, and you can browse for local kalamae sweets at the stalls near the entrance. For lunch, consider Nana Tam or Pink Orchid Restaurant in Lamai.
- Hin Ta Hin Yai → Na Muang Waterfall → Chaweng
Stop at Na Muang Waterfall inland in the south by taxi or Grab. The drive from Chaweng is listed as about 22–40 minutes. Admission to the falls is free. Visit Na Muang 1 and 2, then return to Chaweng for dinner. After rain, wet rocks and forest paths can be slippery.
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
Spend the day cruising from Samui to admire the islands and lagoons of Ang Thong. When booking, check whether hotel pickup and the park entrance fee are included.
- Koh Samui hotel → Ang Thong Marine Park
The park can only be visited on a boat tour with an authorized operator; departure times depend on the operator’s schedule. One confirmed speedboat tour example costs ฿1,890 for adults, with the ฿300 foreign adult park entrance fee charged separately. Park hours are 08:00–17:00. Depending on your tour, you may be able to kayak or snorkel.
- Ang Thong Marine Park → Koh Samui hotel
Return to your hotel by tour boat and round-trip pickup. Have dinner near your hotel; if you’re staying in Chaweng, consider Samui Cuisine or Kapi Sator Central Samui.
Source: Speed Boat day tours to explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park 2026-10-26 · Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visitor Information 2026-10-26 · Angthong Marine Park: Fees and Permits 2026-10-26
Day 4 | East coast viewpoint and Chaweng Beach
Follow the island’s eastern ring road for the views, then spend the rest of the afternoon at Chaweng Beach.
- Chaweng → Lat Ko Viewpoint
Take a taxi or car along Ring Road 4169. It’s about 10–15 minutes from central Chaweng, and the viewpoint and walkway are free. Enjoy the views over the eastern sea and take a short walk up to the platform.
- Lat Ko Viewpoint → Chaweng Beach → central Chaweng
Return to Chaweng by taxi or ride-hailing service. The beach is free to visit and a good place for a walk or swim. For dinner, consider Thai KICK Pra Pao or Prego Samui in Chaweng. If you’re looking for nightlife, bars, and pubs, add Bar Bù to your options.
Source: Explore Samui | VisitSamui 2026-10-26 · Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui 2026-10-26
Day 5 | From your hotel to Samui Airport
Leave your hotel in time for your flight and head to the airport.
- Chaweng or Bophut hotel → Samui Airport
The official shared shuttle costs ฿140 per person one way or ฿380 per vehicle for 1–4 people from Chaweng or Bophut. The drive from central Chaweng to the airport takes about 10–15 minutes.
Source: SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26
4 nights, 5 days A: Confirmed admission and transport costs (per adult)
Airport–Chaweng shared shuttle ฿140 + Big Buddha ฿0 + Wat Plai Laem ฿0 + Chaweng–Lamai songthaew ฿50 + Hin Ta Hin Yai ฿0 + Na Muang Waterfall ฿0 + Ang Thong tour ฿1,890 + Ang Thong park entrance fee ฿300 + Chaweng–airport shared shuttle ฿140 = total ฿2,520. Temple donations and individual rides around the island are not included.
- Included: The listed shared shuttles, songthaew, attraction admission, and sample Ang Thong speedboat tour fare.
- Not included: Accommodation, meals, flights, temple donations, and unlisted transport around the islands.
Source: SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · 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 · Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visitor Information 2026-10-26
4 nights, 5 days B | Southern beaches and Koh Phangan’s markets and sunsets
See Koh Samui’s southern beaches and waterfalls, then spend two days on Koh Phangan. This itinerary suits travelers who want to enjoy Thong Sala Night Market, cafés, and sunset bars and viewpoints on the west coast.
Source: Lamai Beach: How to Get To 2026-10-26 · 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (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 1 | From the airport to Chaweng and southern Lamai
Head from the airport to your hotel, then explore the southeastern beaches and coastal rock formations.
- Samui Airport → Chaweng
The official shared airport shuttle costs ฿140 per person one way or ฿380 per vehicle for 1–4 people to Chaweng. The drive from the airport to Chaweng takes about 10–15 minutes.
- Chaweng → Lamai Beach
A taxi or Grab costs ฿250–400 one way; a songthaew is ฿50–100 per person. The journey usually takes about 10–15 minutes. Take a stroll along Lamai Beach, and consider The Hub Samui or Wild Tribe Cafe for lunch.
- Lamai Beach → Hin Ta Hin Yai → Chaweng
Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to Hin Ta Hin Yai at the southern end of Lamai. The rock formations are free to visit. Enjoy the coastal scenery, then return to Chaweng. For dinner, consider Sand Deck.
Source: SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Bangkok Airways: Bangkok–Samui 항공편 2026-10-26 · Lamai Beach: How to Get To 2026-10-26 · Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks — Things to Do & How to Visit 2026-10-26
Day 2 | Na Muang Waterfall and the southern forest
Head inland from Chaweng to explore the waterfalls, then spend the evening back near the coast.
- Chaweng → Na Muang Waterfall
Take a taxi or Grab. The drive from Chaweng takes about 22–40 minutes, and admission to Na Muang Waterfall is free. Explore the natural pool and forest trail at Na Muang 1.
- Na Muang Waterfall → Chaweng or Lamai
Return to your hotel area by taxi or ride-hailing service. For dinner, consider Pink Orchid Restaurant in Lamai or Samui Cuisine in Chaweng. Rocks and forest paths can be slippery after rain.
Source: 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui Taxi Prices 2026: Fair Fare Checker 2026-10-26
Day 3 | Take the ferry to Thong Sala Night Market
Cross from Samui to Koh Phangan and stay in Thong Sala, close to the pier.
- Samui hotel → Mae Nam (Pralan) Pier
Take a taxi or Grab, if available, to Mae Nam Pier. Fares around the island vary by departure point and time, so confirm the price before you ride.
- Mae Nam (Pralan) Pier → Thong Sala Pier
The Lomprayah ferry costs ฿250 one way and takes about 30 minutes. After you arrive, walk into central Thong Sala and take a break at a café. Consider Indigo Café & Eatery Thong Sala or Bubba’s Coffee Thong Sala.
- Thong Sala → Thong Sala Night Market (Pantip Night Market)
Walk to the market near the pier. Entry is free; it opens in the evening and is generally busiest from 17:00–22:00. Sample a few bites from the food stalls, and consider Phangan Food Court for a meal.
Source: Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (2026) 2026-10-26 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · Phantip Night Food Market, Thong Sala: Daily on Koh Phangan 2026-10-26
Day 4 | Koh Phangan’s west coast cafés and sunset bars
Enjoy cafés, viewpoints, and sunset on Koh Phangan’s west coast. Get between Thong Sala and each stop by local songthaew or taxi.
- Thong Sala → Srithanu
Take a local songthaew or taxi to Srithanu on the west coast. Koh Phangan has no public buses, so check local transport options. Explore the cafés and village, and stop for a meal or coffee at Artillery Cafe & Eatery.
- Srithanu → West coast sunset bars and viewpoints
Take a taxi or songthaew to watch the sunset. For the evening, consider Phangan Sunset Bar & Restaurant. If you’re looking for nightlife, bars, and pubs, add Top Rock Bar or Flip Flop Pharmacy Bar to your options.
Source: Koh Phangan: Getting Around 2026-10-26 · Koh Phangan: Where to Stay 2026-10-26
Day 5 | From Thong Sala to Samui Airport
Take a morning ferry back to Koh Samui, then head to the airport. Check the ferry schedule for your travel date first to make sure it works with your flight.
- Thong Sala Pier → Mae Nam (Pralan) Pier
The Lomprayah ferry costs ฿250 one way and takes about 30 minutes. Check the timetable for your travel date to confirm the departure time and pier.
- Mae Nam (Pralan) Pier → Samui Airport
Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the airport. According to the official airport shuttle fare table, the rate for the Chaweng and Bophut zones is ฿140 per person one way or ฿380 per vehicle for 1–4 people. Fares from the pier may differ, so confirm the price before you ride.
Source: 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26 · SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26
4 nights, 5 days B: Confirmed admission and transport costs (per adult)
Airport–Chaweng shared shuttle ฿140 + Chaweng–Lamai songthaew ฿50 + Hin Ta Hin Yai ฿0 + Na Muang Waterfall ฿0 + Mae Nam–Thong Sala ferry ฿250 + Thong Sala–Mae Nam ferry ฿250 + Koh Phangan local transport and Mae Nam–airport transfer extra = confirmed item total ฿690.
- Included: The listed shared shuttle, songthaew, return ferry fares, and attraction admission.
- Not included: Accommodation, meals, flights, local transport on Koh Phangan, and the transfer from Mae Nam Pier to the airport.
Source: SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 2026-10-26 · Lamai Beach: How to Get To 2026-10-26 · 태국 관광 디렉터리: Na Muang Waterfall 2026-10-26 · Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry: Piers, Times and Prices (2026) 2026-10-26 · 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 2026-10-26
FAQ
When is it best to include Ang Thong Marine Park in a 4-night, 5-day trip?
It’s planned as a full-day tour on day three of itinerary A. The park may be closed, depending on the weather, from November 1 to December 15, so check whether it’s operating.
Where is a convenient base on Koh Phangan?
Itinerary B uses Thong Sala as a base. It’s close to the pier and night market, and you can reach the west coast by local songthaew or taxi.
What can I do in Bophut on a Friday evening?
Itinerary A includes Fisherman’s Village on the first day. On Fridays, the Walking Street market generally runs from 17:00–23:00, with food stalls and shops to explore.
Official sources & check dates
- 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
- 롬프라야 2026 공식 시간표 · 2026-10-26
- SmackONE 공식 사무이 공항 택시 요금표 · 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
- Koh Phangan: Getting Around · 2026-10-26
- Siam Travel: Rainy season in Thailand · 2026-10-26
- Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visitor Information · 2026-10-26
- 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
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Samui · 2026-10-26
- Speed Boat day tours to explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park · 2026-10-26
- Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui (Wat Phra Yai): Dress Code, Hours & How to Visit · 2026-10-26
- 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
- Angthong Marine Park: Fees and Permits · 2026-10-26
- Explore Samui | VisitSamui · 2026-10-26
- Phantip Night Food Market, Thong Sala: Daily on Koh Phangan · 2026-10-26
- Koh Phangan: Where to Stay · 2026-10-26
Site updated: 2026-10-26