Romantic overnight tour to Koh Tan

Koh Tan is a small, lightly developed island off the south coast of Koh Samui, and it is far quieter than the usual day-trip stops. Staying overnight lets you see it well beyond the few hours most visitors get. This trip suits travelers who want to experience southern Samui's island life at a slower pace.

Getting there

A minibus collects you from your hotel and drives you to Tong Krut pier. From there a traditional longtail boat carries you across the water in about 20 minutes, so the trip starts with a taste of local maritime life.

A private cruise around Koh Tan and Pig Island

The centrepiece is a private four-hour longtail cruise around Koh Tan and neighbouring Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island. Koh Tan is known for its coral reef, while Koh Madsum is known for the pigs that wander along its white-sand beach. The boat is yours alone, so you set the pace and can spend as long as you like at each snorkeling stop.

Exploring the island by golf cart

After lunch, a golf cart takes you around Koh Tan. It is an easy way to cover the island's quiet lanes and coastline. Stops include the White Buddha, which looks out to sea, and the island's rare white buffaloes.

Your overnight stay

You spend the night in a beachfront bungalow near the northern end of Koh Tan's main beach, a short stroll from the sand. The bungalows are modern but unfussy, with polished concrete floors, a comfortable double bed and a cooling fan. Each stay includes a Western-style bathroom with a cold-water shower.

Koh Tan runs largely on solar power and generators, so electricity is supplied from sunset until midnight. This is part of the island's slow, off-grid charm. Expect a rustic, peaceful base rather than a resort.

Thai meals are served at the open-air restaurant on site, with lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second. The evening is calm and unhurried. The next morning you have free time after breakfast to walk the beach before the boat and minibus take you back to your hotel.