Koh Samui and the Islands – The Practical Guide

Travel guide · 2026-2027 edition

Beaches, Ang Thong, the Full Moon Party and diving: the Gulf of Thailand islands without the stress.

Koh Samui and the Islands – The Practical Guide is the up-to-date, practical guide to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, the best-known islands in the Gulf of Thailand: white-sand beaches, palm trees, Ang Thong Marine Park, the Haad Rin parties and some of the most accessible diving in the country, with prices in baht, ferries between the islands and the traps to avoid.

Planning and arriving: seasons and the Gulf monsoon, visa and TDAC, budget, Bangkok Airways flights, night train, bus or the Donsak car ferry.
Getting around and where to stay: songthaews, taxis, Grab, scooters, every ferry between the islands, beach-by-beach accommodation.
Koh Samui: Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Fisherman’s Village, Maenam, the south and west, temples and waterfalls.
The islands: Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Phangan and the Full Moon Party, Koh Tao, diving and Koh Nang Yuan.
Practicalities: beaches and water safety, food and Michelin Guide picks, going out, etiquette, safety and itineraries from 4 to 10 days.

Included: 4 maps (the Gulf islands, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Ang Thong Marine Park), the author’s photos, a Thai phrasebook and a practical directory (emergencies, hospitals, recompression chambers, immigration, ferries).

English edition · PDF ebook: €3.00 · instant download

Out now: the English edition is available as a PDF ebook for €3.00. Buy the English ebook → More guides in the series: Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Isan – The Practical Guide.

Want a free taste? Read the articles in my Thailand Notebook: visas, transport, scams, food, beaches and itineraries.