Elephant Sanctuaries – Koh Samui

Ang Thong Marine Park is the classic full-day trip, with limestone islands, viewpoints and optional kayaking. Koh Tao and Nang Yuan are farther away and chosen mainly for snorkeling; Koh Madsum, known as Pig Island, is the shorter southern outing.

There is no single marina. Ang Thong boats use several north- and west-coast piers, Koh Tao services often use the north-east or Maenam, and Koh Madsum trips usually leave near Thong Krut in the south. Use the pier printed on the booking confirmation.

In ordinary traffic the airport is roughly 10–20 minutes from Chaweng or Bophut, 20–35 minutes from Lamai, and 30–50 minutes from Nathon. Rain and late-afternoon traffic around Chaweng can make these estimates longer.

Chaweng is the busiest resort beach, Lamai is the other large east-coast base, Bophut and Maenam sit in the north, and Taling Ngam and Lipa Noi are quieter on the west. The beach nearest your hotel is not necessarily near your tour pier.

No. The island has an airport, ferries, taxis, ride-hailing, shared songthaews and rental vehicles, but no railway and no comprehensive scheduled bus network. Agree taxi fares before departure and treat hotel pickup as part of the tour value.

Koh Samui has no mainland railway, no single central tour harbour and no coral reef directly off every resort beach. The clearest snorkeling normally requires a boat toward Koh Tao, Nang Yuan or offshore stops, so a beach hotel alone does not replace an excursion.