In the past 6 years, I have been to many islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Almost all of them in fact.
But before I can get into it all. You may be asking:
What is the Gulf of Thailand?
The Gulf of Thailand is an oceanic inlet that lies between Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It connects to the South China Sea in the southeast. Although relatively shallow, the Gulf of Thailand holds some of the most picturesque islands and beaches in the world.
From pristine small islands such as Koh Mak in the east to idolized larger ones like Koh Samui in the west (among many others), the region is an idyllic travel destination for foreigners and Thais. You will find all sorts of beaches, shades of water, tranquil waterfalls, and enchanting mangroves here.
I was invited by the Tourism Authority of Thailand on an exciting island-hopping trip in the western end of the Gulf with a couple of other expat travel bloggers.
The trip started and ended in Koh Samui with stops at Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan, and Koh Pha Ngan. During this 4D3N journey, I can’t begin to tell you how much fun and amazing experiences we had.
So, I’m going to share my top 10 most memorable ones. Consider it your mini travel guide for the western Gulf of Thailand. I’ll even give you alternate options in case you don’t like a certain activity.
Hiking & kayaking at Angthong National Marine Park
The Angthong National Marine Park in the Gulf of Thailand is one of the most jaw-dropping destinations in Thailand. Spread across an area of 102 km², it holds 42 islands of various shapes and sizes.
The most popular spot at the national park is the Blue Lagoon or Emerald lake. To come here you have to book a tour from one of the islands (mostly Koh Samui). Note that there is an entrance fee, which may or may not be included in your tour. It’s best to check with the tour operator.
To see the blue lagoon, one must climb some pretty steep stairs. It is quite a workout but the panoramic views are absolutely worth it.
This was my second time here and on both occasions, I was downright mesmerized by the views, nature and the vibrant colors.
You can also kayak around the lagoon but you can’t go inside. Some tour operators bring kayaks with them but you can also rent (for free) from one of the nearby islands (Ko Sam Sao).
Alternative option: although this is a popular activity and a must for first-timers, it is a bit touristy. Another thing you can do is…well whatever else on Koh Samui. Check out local beaches or one of these hidden gems/viewpoints.
Luxury stay at X2 Samui
X2 (Cross To) is a growing boutique design hotel brand in Thailand that offers some of the nicest but minimalistic private villas.
While in Samui, we stayed in private pool villas. It was incredible. Whenever I had free time, usually before breakfast or in between activities, I would make sure to take a dip in the pool.
X2 signifies luxury and elegance but without all the pretentiousness. It’s really the kind of hotel and resorts I like – modern coupled with the right balance of nature.
Alternative option: X2 is relatively far from the main strip of Koh Samui. Opt to stay in Chaweng or Bophut to be closer to livelier scenes.
Coconut Museum
When I travel, I try to mix in some more immersive local experiences. On this trip, I was fortunate to visit the Coconut Museum. Here we learned about the history of this 100-year old family-owned business. We also partook in a coconut oil and dessert-making workshop.
I will be writing a separate, in-depth post about this workshop because there is a lot to tell. It was an extremely fulfilling and unforgettable experience.
Alternative experience: a quick Google search will show you some other great local and community-based tours in Samui, such as this one.
Dining at local restaurants
Although almost all of the restaurants (about 7 in total) we dined at on this trip were good, these three stood out from the rest.
While coming back from the Angthong National Park, we stopped at Ko Phaluai to eat at a seafood restaurant. It was quite possibly one of the best seafood I’ve had in a while. Not only was there a wide variety of food – everything was fresh and tasty.
The highlight would have to be the steamed fresh crabs that we got to crack open with tiny hammers. For a flavor kick, dip them in spicy seafood sauce!
Our menu for the day also included two types of fish, soup, and stir-fried vegetables.
Another dish I enjoyed was this shrimp soup with pineapple. It was rather unique and refreshing. A beautiful amalgamation of sweet, tangy, and spicy to tickle the taste buds.
Sa Bieng Lae loosely translates to ‘variety of seafood’. This restaurant has been around since 1990 and is a very popular spot for Thais. It’s known for traditional Thai seafood with many unique dishes unique to Samui.
It’s not one of those fancy restaurants but the food absolutely makes up for the lack of ambiance. Another plus is that it is next to the beach so try to get your table further inside with the sea view.
Taste of the Orient @ Koh Tao Montra Resort
Looking out onto Mae Haad Beach, the Taste of the Orient restaurant at Koh Tao Montra Resort served some delectable dishes. Seriously, I am watering at the mouth all over again right now. I would go back for these. See those meatballs? They are called no-named chicken. I think they need to be renamed to ‘oh-so-delicious chicken’.
Other options: if you have a motorbike or car, just drive around to look for restaurants on the road. Whatever looks like a hole in a wall, give it a try. This list of 8 best cheap local restaurants in Samui might be a good start.
Grandfather, Grandmother Rocks
Just a 5-minute walk from Sa Bieng Lae restaurant is one of Koh Samui’s most popular tourist attractions – the Grandfather’s Grandmother’s Rocks. In Thai, they are known as Hin Ta Hin Yai.
It’s an interesting place with an even odder story. So, when you visit and don’t notice it yourself, the rocks look like the genitalia of a man and woman. In this instance, of Grandma and Grandpa.
The legend then sprung that once there was once an old couple who were taking their son to another province to get him married. Upon their journey by sea, their boat capsized. Ultimately, the old man and his wife drowned and died at sea. Hence, their bodies (rather their genitals) then turned into rocks as a sign to the would-be bride’s parents of their true intentions.
You cannot make this stuff up! I just wonder what the locals and Thai tourists tell their kids when they bring them here.
All humor aside, it is a nice spot to visit. There are plenty of panoramic views and photo opportunities here.
I just enjoyed clambering up on all the rocks. You will see later that I love doing that.
Oh, that reminds me, it is forbidden to climb the penis rock. You will get in big trouble for that.
Alternate spot: Overlap stone. If you like hiking and finding unique spots for photos, this is for you.
I really wanted to see this natural hidden gem of Koh Samui. Sadly, we could not go here because it is a bit difficult to reach. You have to ride a motorbike up a steep dirt road and then hike the rest of the way. Our vans could not go. This is high on my bucket list for my next trip to Samui.
Fire show and dining at Coco Tams
Coco Tams is a lively, chill-out beach bar and restaurant on Bophut beach, Koh Samui. It was completely packed with foreigners and Thais who came here for the long weekend. It was nice to see that businesses were running and some normalcy had returned to the islands, with the whole COVID19 situation.
Oh yea, we’ve hardly had any cases in Thailand since the restrictions were lifted in June.
There are several sections to sit and dine at Coco Tams. They bean bags on the beach, large hammocks on the second level and a kind of rooftop area as well.
At around 9 pm, guests and onlookers can catch a sick fire show. I’ve seen many over the years but I never get bored of them. These guys are insanely talented.
Alternative option: a less expensive and more local spot is the Night Market / Fishermans Village, which is located right at the entrance of the compound leading up to Coco Tams. In fact, you could do both in one evening. Why not?
Sunset cruise
At first I was not very excited about a sunset dinner cruise. Been there, done that.
I was so wrong. This yacht cruise was unbelievable. This experience had everything – good company, scenic panoramic views, and a wonderful ambiance out in the ocean.
The only thing we were missing was beer or wine. For some reason, they did not provide or offer us any.
In addition, we got to do some Standup Paddleboarding, which is one of my favorite activities on the water. Unfortunately on this day, I was not able to stand long. I kept losing my balance and falling in the water or on my knees. Maybe I gained too much weight or simply out of practice.
The last thing that made our cruise incredibly memorable was that we actually saw some dolphins! This was totally unexpected. Imagine if one had come to me while I was in the water. That would have been phenomenal.
Alternative option: if laying around on a cruise isn’t your style, give SUP excursions a try at iSUP Samui or SupRider Samui. I would love to go back and try one of the tours.
Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint and snorkel
I have told many people that I do not like to go to the same place twice. Especially if it is far away. Koh Nang Yuan is one of the exceptions. I could keep going back to this place, at least a few more times.
What is so amazing about this place? Let me show you. I mean just look at this island view. If this is not heaven on earth, I don’t know what is. The only downside is that its reputation has made it one of the most visited places here in the Gulf. For obvious reasons too.
I waited about 15 minutes in queue line for a chance to take the photo from up here!
I would actually love to stay a night here. Not a lot of people do because there is not much to do on this island and the rates are relatively high. Most come here on day trips from Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Pha Ngan.
But still, to wake up to this view would be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
Related article: my first visit here
The viewpoint isn’t the only scenic part of Koh Nang Yuan. Go to any point or angle, you will alluring beauty.
Alternative option: nothing. You must do this if you are around. How you get here is up to you. Either kayak here from Koh Tao yourself or with a boat tour.
Climbing rocks at Mango Bay
Koh Tao has many beautiful beaches and bays but I think Mango Bay is uniquely picturesque. I love how there are so many rocks to climb and places to swim or snorkel. Obviously the beach and azure clear water are gorgeous as well. The colors are just unbelievable.
We arrived at Mango Bay from the sea via our speedboat but you can also come by land on Koh Tao. However, I believe it is not that easy. You are better off using long-tail boats to get here.
Other than exploring the bay, you can also go up to a restaurant at the Ao Muong Beach Resort. It’s a bit of a climb but I believe the view is worth it. I didn’t go up, unfortunately.
I spent all my time clambering up these rocks and even did some parkour off them. It was exhilarating!
Alternative option: most boat tours should bring you here along with other parts around Koh Tao. I don’t think you should miss this spot and I have no substitute options for this.
Painting coconut leaf husks
The last but not least experience from my trip was painting coconut leaf husks at the Siam Healing Center on Koh Pha Ngan. I absolutely loved doing this activity because not only was it fun but also that we were part of the owner’s (Khun Jeab) dream and community.
We could see her passion as well as of all the people who had taken part in this campaign. The art workshop was created to help people in the community deal with COVID-19. It really brought smiles and happiness to the local people and stranded tourists. Really inspiring stuff!
As you can see, I am not so talented when it comes to art. My devil came out all wonky and demented.
I felt embarrassed about my work compared to the rest.
At the center, you can do a lot more than just paint or create art. You can get massages, take yoga classes, chill at a cafe, or attend some of their other workshops and events.
If you are ever in Koh Pha Ngan, this is a must place to visit. We highly recommend it for an immersive experience.
Alternative option: again nothing. I recommend this activity on Koh Pha Ngan.
Now I know that hitting all these activities and places would be impossible without a lot of money and time. Since this was part of a media trip with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, so we could.
Having said that, which ones would you choose to do? What would be your top 3? Let me know below.
Those beaches look incredible! I would love to spend time out on the water and relaxing with that view 🙂 Also painting the leaf fronds looks like such a fun ideas! I really need to visit this part of Asia one day ASAP
We are so sad we did not get to explore the islands in the Gulf of Thailand on our visit. We would definitely climb up to get those views of the blue lagoon. And it would be great to get a view from the water on a kayak. As seafood fans, we know we would eat well every day. By the way, I loved that funny pic of the hammer and the crab. Our son visited those islands and sent us great video of the fire shows. Would love to see them for ourselves. We definitely won’t miss the Gulf of Thailand on our next trip.
Those islands on Gulf of Thailand look awesome! I love the blue beaches and lagoon – colors are stunning! Looks like you had a lot of activities – cooking, kayaking, snorkeling. I have been to Thailand but not to these places. Bookmarking your blog post for my future reference, 🙂