Koh Tan
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
343 reviews
Excellent
182
Very good
120
Average
24
Poor
7
Terrible
10
SSSAB2019
Gatineau, Canada30 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We went there to snorkel and see some colourful fishes and coral but aside from the few fishes that came to eat the bread our tour guide threw from the boat, there was absolutely nothing to see! Just brown plants. Not colourful coral nor fishes.
We ended up going to Koh Tao the next day (which we wanted to avoid at first because of the long trip from koh samui abs the crowds) but it was amazing.
We ended up going to Koh Tao the next day (which we wanted to avoid at first because of the long trip from koh samui abs the crowds) but it was amazing.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Max M
Patong, Thailand23 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
Many people make a visit to Koh Samui while visiting the South of Thailand specifically Phuket and Krabi. All tour operators sell overland tours that is monopolized through the one company called PP Tours (I suspect thy are located near Surat Thani).
You DO NOT want to do this. Nothing they promise while trying to sell you the tickets (albeit cheap) turns out to be what they said. The worst is the time they tell you it will take - times that by 2.5 at least!
And then as soon as you have been picked up, you see your life flashing past you a few times as the drivers drive like crazy smelling of alcohol and chatting on their mobile phones while doing so. Dare to object and you may well be dumped in the middle of nowhere without a refund and or assaulted. Staff immediately turn into the worst service providers the minute they pick you up well aware that you will never get any refund even if you try.
DO NOT believe tour operators that tell you they use "another company". I have fallen prey to this a number of times. Never again.
Bottom line - if you wish to visit Samui and surroundings - fly in. It may cost you double but you have a better chance to survive the trip and will save at least 12 hours of your precious holiday time, since the trip by bus and ferry never takes less the 13 hours. Most of which is wasted while you are dumped next to the road waiting for some other bus or ferry to arrive.
You DO NOT want to do this. Nothing they promise while trying to sell you the tickets (albeit cheap) turns out to be what they said. The worst is the time they tell you it will take - times that by 2.5 at least!
And then as soon as you have been picked up, you see your life flashing past you a few times as the drivers drive like crazy smelling of alcohol and chatting on their mobile phones while doing so. Dare to object and you may well be dumped in the middle of nowhere without a refund and or assaulted. Staff immediately turn into the worst service providers the minute they pick you up well aware that you will never get any refund even if you try.
DO NOT believe tour operators that tell you they use "another company". I have fallen prey to this a number of times. Never again.
Bottom line - if you wish to visit Samui and surroundings - fly in. It may cost you double but you have a better chance to survive the trip and will save at least 12 hours of your precious holiday time, since the trip by bus and ferry never takes less the 13 hours. Most of which is wasted while you are dumped next to the road waiting for some other bus or ferry to arrive.
Written 15 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
donavan94563
Orinda, CA210 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Had one day in Koh Samui during a cruise and wanted to visit the outer islands known for their beauty and skip the mainland.
Depending on the time you have in Koh Samui, Koh Tan (Ko Tean)/Koh Mat Sum is a great alternative to the touristy mainland beaches.
There are several boat tours that leave from the southern part of the Koh Samui in the morning and return in the late afternoon.
We pre-booked our tour with "Tours Koh Samui" since they had an Island hopping tour to Koh Taen archipelago tailored for cruise ship passengers and an easy online pre-registration website.
The tour included:
* Pick up from Nathon cruise ship pier
* Transfer to south pier aboard air-conditioned VIP minivan
* Speedboat to and from Koh Tan (Ko Tean)/Koh Mat Sum
* Return to Nathon cruise ship pier
Koh Taen is a natural paradise located minutes off the south-western coast of Koh Samui's Taling Nam fishing village. It is a small, tranquil, and unspoiled island, not yet on the radar of Koh Samui tourist map. There is just one small village on Koh Taen, with very limited tourist facilities, such as five humble bungalows and an authentic Thai restaurant.
Our first stop was just off Koh Taen by coral reefs along the white sandy beaches. We were provided all the snorkeling equipment to enjoy the picturesque beaches and sea life. Unfortunately, a recent storm had just passed and stirred up the ocean so the visibility was low. Nevertheless, we enjoyed having free refreshments on the boat and walking along the beach and seeing what we could.
After enough time at the beach, the speed boat transferred us to Koh Taen's Taen mangrove bay. Along the way, we were able to enjoy riding on the an exciting floating couch which was pulled behind the speed boat (i.e. banana boat riding).
Upon arrival at the mangrove forest we went for a relaxing stroll along a wooden platform that was built by locals to view the mangrove forests. Here you can see local wildlife and plants. Note: The wooden platform was not built by engineers and is an exciting "walk at your own risk" experience as some planks are missing and/or cannot take any excessive weight. So tread lightly.
The platform lead us to a new paved road, where a golf cart transferred us over the island to Koh Taen's main Beach. The ride provided us a short tour of the island. At the main beach we had time to explore the area, relax, sunbathe, and take a leisurely stroll along the coastline to the local temple and take a first-hand look at wale shark bones that where found more than 50 years ago.
At the beach we were provided a delicious Thai set lunch at Koh Taen's coral island beach restaurant. The lunch included fresh fish, fried rice, coconut shrimp and fresh fruit.
After lunch the speedboat brought us to an adjacent island Koh Mat Sum. Here there were additional coral reefs along the white sandy beaches. Again, we were provided all the snorkeling equipment to enjoy the picturesque beaches and sea life. Unfortunately, the recent storm stirred up the ocean so the visibility was low. Nevertheless, we enjoyed having free refreshments on the boat and walking along the beach and seeing what we could.
At the end of the day, we were transferred back to the cruise ship pier in plenty of time to shop around Nathon pier.
All an all an excellent day trip to the outer islands and well worth doing.
Depending on the time you have in Koh Samui, Koh Tan (Ko Tean)/Koh Mat Sum is a great alternative to the touristy mainland beaches.
There are several boat tours that leave from the southern part of the Koh Samui in the morning and return in the late afternoon.
We pre-booked our tour with "Tours Koh Samui" since they had an Island hopping tour to Koh Taen archipelago tailored for cruise ship passengers and an easy online pre-registration website.
The tour included:
* Pick up from Nathon cruise ship pier
* Transfer to south pier aboard air-conditioned VIP minivan
* Speedboat to and from Koh Tan (Ko Tean)/Koh Mat Sum
* Return to Nathon cruise ship pier
Koh Taen is a natural paradise located minutes off the south-western coast of Koh Samui's Taling Nam fishing village. It is a small, tranquil, and unspoiled island, not yet on the radar of Koh Samui tourist map. There is just one small village on Koh Taen, with very limited tourist facilities, such as five humble bungalows and an authentic Thai restaurant.
Our first stop was just off Koh Taen by coral reefs along the white sandy beaches. We were provided all the snorkeling equipment to enjoy the picturesque beaches and sea life. Unfortunately, a recent storm had just passed and stirred up the ocean so the visibility was low. Nevertheless, we enjoyed having free refreshments on the boat and walking along the beach and seeing what we could.
After enough time at the beach, the speed boat transferred us to Koh Taen's Taen mangrove bay. Along the way, we were able to enjoy riding on the an exciting floating couch which was pulled behind the speed boat (i.e. banana boat riding).
Upon arrival at the mangrove forest we went for a relaxing stroll along a wooden platform that was built by locals to view the mangrove forests. Here you can see local wildlife and plants. Note: The wooden platform was not built by engineers and is an exciting "walk at your own risk" experience as some planks are missing and/or cannot take any excessive weight. So tread lightly.
The platform lead us to a new paved road, where a golf cart transferred us over the island to Koh Taen's main Beach. The ride provided us a short tour of the island. At the main beach we had time to explore the area, relax, sunbathe, and take a leisurely stroll along the coastline to the local temple and take a first-hand look at wale shark bones that where found more than 50 years ago.
At the beach we were provided a delicious Thai set lunch at Koh Taen's coral island beach restaurant. The lunch included fresh fish, fried rice, coconut shrimp and fresh fruit.
After lunch the speedboat brought us to an adjacent island Koh Mat Sum. Here there were additional coral reefs along the white sandy beaches. Again, we were provided all the snorkeling equipment to enjoy the picturesque beaches and sea life. Unfortunately, the recent storm stirred up the ocean so the visibility was low. Nevertheless, we enjoyed having free refreshments on the boat and walking along the beach and seeing what we could.
At the end of the day, we were transferred back to the cruise ship pier in plenty of time to shop around Nathon pier.
All an all an excellent day trip to the outer islands and well worth doing.
Written 6 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oceangirl27
canada211 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
I was looking for a snorkelling tour that included pick up at my hotel in koh samui, didn't cost a fortune, and included a lunch. This happened to be it. This was a great tour, a lot of fun and a company that makes sure the people who are on the trip are cared for. Not only do they pick u up at ur hotel and drop u off after the trip, they make sure the snorkel trip is enjoyable, they assist even those who have troubles getting off or on the boat due to a disability. They make sure that they have a guide in front and behind of the group with one on the boat as well. They try and show u all different kinds of fish, coral and even try to find sting rays. We found 3 on our trip. It was really cool. The lunch was good with a nice hot lunch of fried rice, deep fried shrimp, salad, fresh fruit and soup. All was very filling. I thought this tour was inexpensive and it was nice being that it was only a half day trip. We saw a ton of fish and they even gave us bread to feed them which brought hundreds of them, it was so much fun, I would do this trip again if I return to Thailand,
Written 26 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krishna P
INDIA735 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We decided to hire a long tail boat ourselves to do a snorkelling trip to Koh Tan. We had a bike so we rode all the way (1.5hr) to Tong Krood area and stopped at Tong Krood restaurant. They arrange for a 4hr package (1600B for 2 people) in a Long tail boat. This just includes the boat ride to Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum (20mins ride), snorkelling gear, life jacket and a loaf of bread for the fishes. I guess the neighbouring restaurants too arrange similar trips.
We jumped off the boat after 15-20mins off the coast of Koh Tan island. The water wasn't very clear however there were hundres of colourful fishes which swim up closer to the surface, as I guess they are now aware of the practice of feeding bread by tourists. It was nice to swim amongst the fishes and then we headed to a smaller isle adjacent to Koh Tan called Koh Mudsum.
Koh Mudsum probably had the whitest and the softest sands I have ever seen and the waters near the beach had this different shades of blue. We were spellbound and spent over an hour wading the shallow waters and lying down on the soft sand. Reluctantly we took the boat back to Samui/Tong Krood pier and rode back to our hotel.
We jumped off the boat after 15-20mins off the coast of Koh Tan island. The water wasn't very clear however there were hundres of colourful fishes which swim up closer to the surface, as I guess they are now aware of the practice of feeding bread by tourists. It was nice to swim amongst the fishes and then we headed to a smaller isle adjacent to Koh Tan called Koh Mudsum.
Koh Mudsum probably had the whitest and the softest sands I have ever seen and the waters near the beach had this different shades of blue. We were spellbound and spent over an hour wading the shallow waters and lying down on the soft sand. Reluctantly we took the boat back to Samui/Tong Krood pier and rode back to our hotel.
Written 7 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thor54
Vancouver, WA1,706 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
Ok-corny title but it really is a nice 1/2 day, non-sea sick island snorkeling tour. My pictures tell it all. You get picked up at your hotel-- we did in a pick up truck-- about 15 people. took longer to get everyone on board then long tail boat to the island. Although rainy season, and clouds over head it turned out to be mostly a nice day. The tour guides were very very good. With their boat-- they drop you off along the reef with two experienced guides and you drift/swim to where it moved. About an hour snorkeling a very nice reef-- not Great Barrier nice-- but one of the nicest reefs i have seen in Thailand--- yes dead coral but lots of live coral with orange, red, blue and glowing green colors. The water was not the clearest, but we did not have to use bread to see a lot of different fish, including giant clams, clown fish and sea anemones, butterfly fish and groupers. No sharks or sting rays, but I am sure others have seen. For those who like the bread fish thing, they also do that; but with such a natural reef experience it really is not necessary and interferes with the natural balance and view of the special fish.
We went to the loan shack on the beach and had a very good Thai lunch; better than some of the food I had where i was staying. All you can eat-- and lots of cool water on the boat-- no fruit snack like some bring but it is really only a 1/2 day trip. We were picked up at 830 and back to the hotel by 4.
They provide the mask and snorkel and life jackets if you need. Lots of help showing you how to dive, and pointing out various special fish and things along the reef. A snorkel before lunch and after lunch, although ours was shorter due to the impending rain shower. Boat is very secure and very professional guides.
I booked my Mr. Man tour through the hotel-- didn't want to hassle looking around for 1500 baht; well worth it for me. The hotel would refund my money if could not make the trip because of weather-- good enough.
The beach at the shack/restaurant is not very nice-- lots of rocks but we really didn't have a lot of interest swimming there-- we all wanted to get back out and snorkel.
We went to the loan shack on the beach and had a very good Thai lunch; better than some of the food I had where i was staying. All you can eat-- and lots of cool water on the boat-- no fruit snack like some bring but it is really only a 1/2 day trip. We were picked up at 830 and back to the hotel by 4.
They provide the mask and snorkel and life jackets if you need. Lots of help showing you how to dive, and pointing out various special fish and things along the reef. A snorkel before lunch and after lunch, although ours was shorter due to the impending rain shower. Boat is very secure and very professional guides.
I booked my Mr. Man tour through the hotel-- didn't want to hassle looking around for 1500 baht; well worth it for me. The hotel would refund my money if could not make the trip because of weather-- good enough.
The beach at the shack/restaurant is not very nice-- lots of rocks but we really didn't have a lot of interest swimming there-- we all wanted to get back out and snorkel.
Written 10 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tongson v
Ko Samui, Thailand1,870 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
went to Thong Krut bay ourselves and booked a tour from one of the 6 or 8 shops along the waterfront
there were 4 of us on a longtail boat which cost about 3000 thai baht for the boat trip
left at around 11am and went across to Koh Taen ,and did a little hand line fishing with 2 results [one by the driver and another by our Australian guest
then off for a snorkeling experience, which was ok as the water was not perfectly clear
then off to land on the island for a spot of dining and i would say that its one of the best whole fish dinners ive had for a long time
one large fish for 4 people + rice + vegetables = total 400 thai baht
absolutely brilliant for a little hut on the beach
on the way back we stopped for a swim in a small bay with stunning clear water and sandy bottom
got back to Thong Krut at about 3pm after a really great day out
there were 4 of us on a longtail boat which cost about 3000 thai baht for the boat trip
left at around 11am and went across to Koh Taen ,and did a little hand line fishing with 2 results [one by the driver and another by our Australian guest
then off for a snorkeling experience, which was ok as the water was not perfectly clear
then off to land on the island for a spot of dining and i would say that its one of the best whole fish dinners ive had for a long time
one large fish for 4 people + rice + vegetables = total 400 thai baht
absolutely brilliant for a little hut on the beach
on the way back we stopped for a swim in a small bay with stunning clear water and sandy bottom
got back to Thong Krut at about 3pm after a really great day out
Written 19 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArnoldO00
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We booked Tour Koh Taen speed boat trip for this lovely destination as we heard mix review about long tail boat to the islands. The island are very secluded and have great marine life around without the hustle and bustle of Koh Samui and other popular destinations.
I highly recommend this company as you feel that they really care about being green and keeping the island healthy. They do not walk on coral as all the long tail boat operator do and in accordance to them they help to conserve the island and contribute to the Koh Taen conservation club.
We had great ½ day with this company at 3 beaches on 2 different island with excellent sea food at the Koh Taen main beach and cycaling off road to the mangrove was just amazing.
We will be back to the islands and hope they stay secluded although it look like that few 5 star hotels in south Samui now offer trip to the islands
I highly recommend this company as you feel that they really care about being green and keeping the island healthy. They do not walk on coral as all the long tail boat operator do and in accordance to them they help to conserve the island and contribute to the Koh Taen conservation club.
We had great ½ day with this company at 3 beaches on 2 different island with excellent sea food at the Koh Taen main beach and cycaling off road to the mangrove was just amazing.
We will be back to the islands and hope they stay secluded although it look like that few 5 star hotels in south Samui now offer trip to the islands
Written 13 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
escoffier2014
3 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Koh Tan is located south west of Koh Samui Island.
Koh Tan is a dog free Island which is populated by just a few islanders.
You can reach Koh Tan by the very well known "Around the Island by Boat" tour operated by Samui Evasion.
It is a trip you MUST do.
Koh Tan is a dog free Island which is populated by just a few islanders.
You can reach Koh Tan by the very well known "Around the Island by Boat" tour operated by Samui Evasion.
It is a trip you MUST do.
Written 29 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chaouni
Malaga, Spain34 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
Take a boat trip around the southern part of the island which is still unspoiled...Samui's natural charm.
- You can go snorkeling around coral reefs and see many beautiful tropical fish.
- Visit Koh Tan Island village ( Coral Island) and try the local food.
-Visit Koh Mudsum Island where you can relax and go swimming.
Their packages cost 2 people for 4 hrs 1500 Baht total 4 people 4hrs 2000 Baht Total
You depart from Aow Thong Tanod Pier
Call 081 8923398 ask for Mr Mhoo.
- You can go snorkeling around coral reefs and see many beautiful tropical fish.
- Visit Koh Tan Island village ( Coral Island) and try the local food.
-Visit Koh Mudsum Island where you can relax and go swimming.
Their packages cost 2 people for 4 hrs 1500 Baht total 4 people 4hrs 2000 Baht Total
You depart from Aow Thong Tanod Pier
Call 081 8923398 ask for Mr Mhoo.
Written 2 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salve, come faccio ad indicare da che hotel di Koh samui il transfer deve venirmi a prendere ?
Written 18 August 2019
Bonjour, nous souhaiterions vous contacter pour une réservation mais votre page web n'existe plus a priori...comment faire ?
Cordialement Karine
Written 11 February 2019
usmcare
3 contributions
We had a good time with the sunset snorkeling trip at Koh Taen and the beach of Koh Masdsum that located nearby. A lot of fish and corals. The trip was opened by T. k. Tour and also had dinner after the trip, really good food in package.
Written 14 November 2018
Am I reading correctly that NO fins are provided??
Really??
Written 7 August 2018
Hi, do they let you go inside just to see the condom mannequins,etc and not actually eat there?
Written 18 November 2015
We Are in Koh Samui for a fed more days and are interested in going to koh Tao. Which company did you use as we would prefer to go by long boat rather than a speed boat
Written 20 February 2015
Hallo
Heißt die Agentur so? Oder wo kann man diese Tour mit mr. Man Buchen?
Besten Dank für die Rückmeldung.
Lg
Nicole
Written 4 February 2015
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