Koh Tan is a few hundred meters off the southwestern coast of Koh Samui from Taling Nam fishing village
It is a small, largely unspoilt island, known for its coral and marine life. Giant clams, fan corals and a wide variety of fish species live in and around the protected reefs.
Koh Tan can be reached by local long tail fishing boat, and several local fishermen in Taling Nam have an excellent knowledge of the island and a commitment to the conservation of the reef.
Trips generally include snorkeling on the reef, a stop at one of the island’s fine beaches, and a walk along the wooden platform that was built by the locals to view the mangrove forests.
Koh Tan is known throughout the region as the island without dogs. According to local folklore, any dog that has been taken to live there has quickly gone insane, but luckily the local population seem not to suffer the same fate.
Koh Matsum is just south of Koh Tan, opposite the beaches by the Laem Sor Chedi and it is also a popular spot for a day trip.
A long sandy beach is a favorite with local Thai tourists for picnics, and there are often groups of students camping on the beach or singing songs around campfires. It’s a good place to join the locals on a ‘tio’, Thai for day out.
Koh Som is the tiny island that protects the Big Buddha temple from the sea. There is a fine sandy beach here, but as yet no resorts.
It’s possible to hire a fishing boat from Big Buddha Beach to visit Koh Som, or even to reach it by kayak, but watch out for strong currents between the islands. Parties and camping are occasionally advertised on this island, but proximity to several large resorts on Samui means that noise must be kept to a minimum.