Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Koh Tan
- Where is Koh Tan?
- How to Get to Koh Tan
- What to See and Do in Koh Tan
- Swim around Koh Tan
- Laze around Koh Tan’s palm-fringed main beach
- Head to the island’s best snorkeling spot
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Koh Tan’s coastline
- Play with the friendly pigs in Koh Tan
- Rent a golf cart at the beach
- Capture the stunning sunset in Koh Tan
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Koh Tan
- Au Bout Du Monde
- Lucky Restaurant
- Sea La Vie Bar and Restaurant
- Where to Shop in and Near Koh Tan
- Khun Tan Little Shop by Au Bout Du Monde
- Lotus’s Koh Samui
- Central Samui
- Where to Stay in and Near Koh Tan
- Koh Tan Village Bungalows
- The Beach Samui
- Conrad Koh Samui
- FAQs about Koh Tan
Koh Tan is also known as Tean Island or Coral Island. It’s a hidden gem near Koh Samui which features pristine sandy beaches and crystalline waters.
Surrounded by vast coral reefs, the island is oozing underwater with a multitude of soft and hard corals and tropical fishes. This makes it a top choice for snorkelers who frequent this part of Surat Thani, buoyed by the resorts on the island.
It’s no wonder why Koh Tan has become a go-to tourist destination given its natural charm. Though small, this is a well-rounded island destination worth including on every Koh Samui itinerary.
Where is Koh Tan?
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Koh Tan is in the east end of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s between mainland Nakhon Si Thammarat and Koh Samui.
How to Get to Koh Tan
Travel to Koh Tan is only available at Thong Krut Pier, so tourists must first head to Koh Samui where it’s located. You can get to Koh Samui by boarding a ferry in Surat Thani’s Donsak Pier or booking a flight to Samui Airport.
Afterward, you can ride a taxi or tuk-tuk to Thong Krut Pier.
Small boat: You can get to Koh Tan by paying for a small boat at Thong Krut Pier. These local boats can take you there in approximately 20 minutes and they’re available to book via the travel agencies and restaurants near the pier.
Longtail boat charter: Another option is to charter a longtail boat at the pier. The price varies depending on the boat operator, so it’s up to you to negotiate the payment for the charter.
Plus, longtail boats have larger capacities, so they’re a solid option when traveling with a group.
What to See and Do in Koh Tan
Swim around Koh Tan
Koh Tan is a great swimming spot near Koh Samui because of its calm and clear waters. Plus, the water is shallow along its coastlines so it’s safe for small children and adults who aren’t good swimmers.
You also don’t need to watch out for strong currents or big waves, especially if you stick to the island’s main beach.
The best part is the lack of extreme watersports like jet skiing, parasailing, or banana boating—allows you to swim and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Laze around Koh Tan’s palm-fringed main beach
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One of Koh Tan’s best features is its palm-fringed main beach. It’s excellent for people who prefer some down time soaking in the cool ocean breeze.
You’ll also find plenty of loungers along the beach so that you can relax under the shade of the palm trees. They also have numerous tree swings!
The two resorts along this main beach also have beachfront restaurants, so you’re covered for food and drinks while lazing under the sun.
Head to the island’s best snorkeling spot
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Koh Tan enjoys crystal-clear waters, so it’s already a solid snorkeling spot near Koh Samui by default. However, we also like that it has a stunning reef formation approximately 560 meters east of Ko Taen Coral Beach Resort.
It’s the best snorkeling spot in Koh Tan, so expect to see a vast coral reef ecosystem and a large array of friendly tropical reef fishes. This includes colorful parrotfishes, clownfishes, sergeant majors, angelfishes, and more.
If you’re lucky, you may spot more rarely-seen marine animals like stingrays, sea turtles, pink dolphins, and whale sharks.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Koh Tan’s coastline
If you like water adventures, you’ll definitely love kayaking and paddleboarding around Koh Tan. This gives you the best chance to explore the island by going around its coastline and also explore the nearby islets at the south.
In fact, you can also head east to the nearby Koh Mat Sum, also known as Pig Island. Don’t worry, the waters in the Gulf of Thailand are relatively safe all year round, so kayaking near these islands is beginner-friendly!
Play with the friendly pigs in Koh Tan
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Koh Tan is also well-known among animal lovers because it gives you a chance to make friends and play with the black pigs roaming its main beach. These friendly creatures are accustomed to tourists, so they won’t run away if you try to pet them.
If they’re not strolling around, you can find them napping under the shade of the trees instead—perfect for a quick pictorial session!
Rent a golf cart at the beach
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Golf carts can be rented from Ko Taen Coral Beach Resort. But keep in mind that they provide a designated driver, so it works like a guided tour since your driver will take you around the island to see its unique sights.
Some popular spots included in the tour are the sitting Buddha image on the southwestern hilltop, a black mangrove forest, and a rocky bay called Pebble Beach.
Capture the stunning sunset in Koh Tan
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The best way to wrap up your Koh Tan trip is to witness and capture its stunning sunset. Don’t miss taking sunset photos on the island because and use the lines of palm trees along its coastline as silhouettes!
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Koh Tan
Au Bout Du Monde
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Address: Koh Tan
Phone: +66 96 356 8137
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai and international cuisines
Au Bout Du Monde is a chic beachfront restaurant in Koh Tan. It has a classy open-air dining area and a cozy outdoor lounge, so you can enjoy its exquisite food and drink offerings on the beach!
This restaurant focuses on seasonal 5-course meals so they only make dishes based on the best ingredients on the market, making the dining experience fresh and exciting.
You also get an option for a wine pairing, 2 mocktails, coffee, or tea. What’s notable are their wine pairing options, especially the premium white and rose wines from Italy, Portugal, and France.
Lucky Restaurant
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Address: 310/22 Moo 3, Angthong, Koh Samui
Phone: +66 77 966 566
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Saturday)
Good to know: Good for breakfast
If you’re looking for an excellent breakfast spot near Koh Tan, Lucky Restaurant is a sound option. It’s close to Nathon Pier, so you can stop by for a meal as soon as you arrive at Koh Samui before heading for Thong Krut Pier.
Their menu consists of local and European cuisines, so expect Thai and Western-style breakfast sets. If you’re an Italian food fanatic, you’ll like eating here for lunch and dinner because they serve a wide range of pizza.
The best part is they can modify their dishes to satisfy vegan and vegetarian diets upon request.
Sea La Vie Bar and Restaurant
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Address: 79, 100 Plai Leam, Bo Put, Koh Samui
Phone: +66 77 960 252
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Western cuisine
Sea La Vie Bar and Restaurant is a chic seaside restaurant near Samui Airport. It’s well-known for its elegant open-air dining area and dramatic seaside view, perfect for date nights.
The live music they play for dinner service also further improves the restaurant’s already romantic atmosphere. Their menu focuses on a wide range of Western cuisines, so expect Italian, Middle Eastern, Mexican and American-style dishes.
But the highlight for us is the exquisite mixologies they serve. A top recommendation is their signature Sea La Vie cocktail because it goes well with all the food items they offer.
Where to Shop in and Near Koh Tan
Khun Tan Little Shop by Au Bout Du Monde
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Address: Koh Tan
Phone: +66 96 356 8137
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for beach apparel
Khun Tan Little Shop is a small boutique store in Au Bout Du Monde, so it’s a convenient shopping place you can find in Koh Tan. They sell a wide range of beach fashion items, from clothes to bags, hats, and accessories.
Their products feature traditional Thai patterns and tropical island designs so they’re excellent as souvenirs as well. They also have polished sea shells you can bring home as keepsakes after your trip.
Oh, and don’t forget to try their original scents!
Lotus’s Koh Samui
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Address: 1/7 Moo 6, Thaweerat Phakdee Road, Bo Put, Koh Samui
Phone: +66 77 245 400
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for groceries and home supplies
Lotus’s Koh Samui is a one-stop shop for travelers. Here, you can find all the products you’ll need for your Koh Tan trip and more, so it’s certainly worth checking out before catching a boat at Thong Krut Pier.
If you’re looking to stock up on food supplies, its supermarket is well-stocked with all the basic necessities! It also has a department store, so you’re covered for clothes, electronics, home appliances, and hardware tools.
There’s also a food court where you can try dishes from numerous food stalls in case you get hungry while shopping.
Central Samui
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Address: 209, 209/1-2 Moo 2, Bo Put, Koh Samui
Phone: +66 77 962 777
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
Central Samui is a large shopping mall in Koh Samui, so expect a lot of luxury brand shops, cafes, and restaurants. It also has a department store and a supermarket, so you’ll most likely find all the products you need to buy.
Their great selection of Thai and international designer brands is also a massive plus for fashion enthusiasts. There’s also a massive food court and cinema, perfect for indoor entertainment in case it’s rainy!
Where to Stay in and Near Koh Tan
Koh Tan Village Bungalows
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Address: Koh Tan
Phone: +66 81 968 4131
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 24/7
Good to know: Good for budget travelers
Koh Tan Village Bungalows is a great option if you’re okay with basic accommodations. It’s on the island so it’s perfect if you plan to stay for several days and avoid traveling back and forth on a boat.
Their beachfront bungalows are unpretentious but electricity runs nonstop, so expect to sleep comfortably every night. In fact, they have an electric generator, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power while you’re here.
They have an on-site restaurant, so you’re also covered for food and drinks. Don’t forget to check out their kayak and paddleboard rentals if you feel like exploring more!
The Beach Samui
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Address: 30/23 Moo 5, Thong Krut, Koh Samui
Phone: +66 77 234 567
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
The Beach Samui is a chic hotel near Thong Krut Pier, so it’s a convenient option for tourists who want quick access to Koh Tan. We also like that it’s in a quiet neighborhood, perfect if you want a private vacation and relax in peace.
This hotel boasts Colonial-style suites with airy interiors, modern amenities, and direct ocean views. Their pricier suites, in particular, are solid options because they have private balconies with lounge chairs and a hot tub that couples can enjoy.
Or you can get their large multi-bedroom family suites if you plan to stay with up to 4 people. They also have a wide range of wellness programs for health-conscious guests and those seeking deep relaxation.
Conrad Koh Samui
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Address: 49/8-9 Hillcrest Road, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui
Phone: +66 77 915 889
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for luxury and comfort
Conrad Koh Samui is known for its elegant and luxurious hillside private villas that feature a superb view of the Gulf of Thailand. On-site, guests can enjoy their poolside bar, fitness gym, full-service spa, and dive center.
Their standard villas are fully decked out, so expect a fully-equipped kitchen, private infinity pool, private terrace, up to 3-bedroom suites, and more. You can also upgrade your villa to add a private study room, perfect for a work vacation.
Conrad Koh Samui is only a 13-minute drive from Thong Krut Pier, so you’re never too far from the boats to Koh Tan.
