Gulf Islands: Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui & Ang Thong — Our Week of Parties, Hikes and Flat Tyres
Gulf Islands: Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui & Ang Thong — Our Story
The Gulf Islands gave us New Years chaos, bad tyres, chilled coworking and one very windy island trip. Here are the highlights and the weird bits.
Koh Tao — 4 Nights
New Years on Koh Tao was busy and loud in the best way. Beaches were lovely, jungle parties were wild, and we had a flat tyre which somehow felt like a medieval punishment. New Years itself was spent with locals eating odd delicacies, drinking Thai whiskey, then running to the beach for fireworks and a jungle party.
Koh Pha Ngan — 6 Nights
A whole week of balance between work and chill. Met great hostel groups, did a proper hike with friends, and managed to get some remote work done at a beachfront coworking place. Nightlife outside of the big organised parties was quiet but pleasant.
Koh Samui — 4 Nights
Big town energy, lots of westernisation and noisy beach strips. Best advice: run to the southern beaches and camp out away from the airport roar.
Ang Thong National Park — Day Trip
A choppy but gorgeous boat ride. We planned to camp but the weather turned, so we skipped camping and soaked up the islands and a surprisingly good sunset instead.
FAQs — Gulf Islands
- Is Koh Tao good for New Years?
- Yes — expect beach parties and lots of visitors.
- Is Koh Pha Ngan only for full moon parties?
- No — many travellers go there to work, hike and relax away from the party calendar.
- Is Koh Samui too touristy?
- Parts of it are; head south or visit quieter bays to escape the crowds.
