Ang Thong
From 4 400 THB- ✅ 42 islands, emerald lagoon
- ✅ Panoramic viewpoint
- ✅ Iconic (inspired The Beach)
- ⚠️ 50 min of sailing
- ⚠️ Closed 1 Nov - 15 Dec
Koh Tan & Madsum
From 2 800 THB- ✅ Pigs on the beach
- ✅ Excellent snorkeling
- ✅ Perfect for families with kids
- ✅ Short crossing (20 min)
- ✅ Open year-round
Full comparison
| Criterion | Ang Thong | Koh Tan & Koh Madsum |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Samui | ~30 km (North-West) | ~6 km (South) |
| Sailing time (one way) | 50 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Total tour duration | 8 hours | 6 hours |
| Semi-private price (adult) | 4 400 THB | 2 800 THB |
| Child price 4-9 years | 2 700 THB | 2 000 THB |
| Iconic scenery | ★★★★★ (42 karst islands) | ★★★ (2 flat islands) |
| Snorkeling quality | ★★★ (coral + fish) | ★★★★★ (crystal-clear, shallow water) |
| Best for kids | ★★★ (from age 6) | ★★★★★ (from age 2) |
| Signature activity | Viewpoint at 200m (20 min hike) | Swimming with the pigs |
| Lagoon | Talay Nai (Emerald Lake) | No lagoon |
| Lunch | Thai buffet on board or on the beach | On the water (table in 30cm of water) |
| National park fee | +300 THB/adult (extra) | None |
| Seasonal opening | Closed 1 Nov - 15 Dec | Open year-round |
| Boat capacity (semi-private) | ≤ 20 pax | ≤ 10 pax |
| Private option (4 pax) | 36 000 THB | 14 000 THB |
When to choose Ang Thong
- You want the iconic Koh Samui experience — the one you see on every postcard
- You're a photographer or a lover of dramatic landscapes
- You're travelling as a couple (without young children)
- You want to hike and take in panoramic viewpoints
- You're travelling outside the closure season (so not in November)
- Your budget can handle +1 600 THB per adult
When to choose Koh Tan & Koh Madsum
- You're travelling with children under 8
- You're after the best snorkeling near Koh Samui
- You want to see the swimming pigs (yes, they really swim)
- You're prone to seasickness (the crossing is 3× shorter)
- You're travelling in November (Ang Thong is closed)
- You want a shorter, more relaxed day
- You want to save ~1 600 THB per adult
The "do both" option
If you're staying 5 days or more on Koh Samui, this is what we recommend to 90% of our clients:
- Days 1-2: rest, beach, acclimatising
- Day 3: Koh Tan & Koh Madsum (boat warm-up, easy snorkeling, shorter day)
- Day 4: rest / safari inland
- Day 5: Ang Thong (the big day, a full day out)
Total: 7 200 THB per adult on semi-private tours. You go home with both of Koh Samui's signature experiences.
Want advice from a local you can talk to?
Our team answers your questions on WhatsApp before you book. Honest advice, no hard sell.
WhatsApp Instant quoteFrequently asked questions
Can you do Ang Thong and Koh Tan in the same day?
Technically no. Ang Thong takes 8h, Koh Tan 6h, and the boat routes are incompatible (North-West vs South). Do them on two different days (ideally with 1 rest day in between).
Which one is less tiring?
Koh Tan, clearly. 20 min of sailing each way, a 6-hour day, and no compulsory hike. Ang Thong involves a 50-minute boat ride, a hike up to the viewpoint and more time on the water (the sea can be rough).
Are there dolphins?
Possible at Ang Thong (rare, mainly in the dry season, December-March). Very rare at Koh Tan. No operator can guarantee dolphins — it's down to luck.
Which one has the better lunch?
A matter of taste. The "feet in the water" lunch at Koh Madsum is unique (a table in 30 cm of water, prawns/fish). The Ang Thong speedboat lunch is served on Koh Wua Talap beach (Thai buffet). It's a tie — just different experiences.
Can you snorkel at Ang Thong?
Yes, at Koh Wao (coral + fish). But the snorkeling at Koh Tan is better (calmer water, more fish close to shore, shallower and so ideal for beginners and kids).