If you’re dreaming of a day filled with sun, sea, and charming life, the Samui: Golden Trio Islands Tour by Speedboat offers just that. Based on what travelers report, this trip promises a blend of scenic beauty, playful animal encounters, and chances to unwind on pristine beaches. While it might not be for everyone—particularly those prone to seasickness or expecting a high-adrenaline adventure—it’s perfect for anyone craving a relaxed, authentic island experience.
What we love about this tour? First, the peaceful beaches with soft white sand and gentle waves are a true highlight. Second, the unexpectedly adorable pigs wandering freely along the shore make for unforgettable photos and a fun, unique touch. Lastly, the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and enjoy a laid-back beachside lunch really sets this tour apart. One potential consideration is that the boat rides can be rough if weather conditions are windy, so it’s best to pick a calm day if you’re sensitive to seasickness. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a leisurely, scenic day with a dash of playful wildlife and beautiful underwater scenery.
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Golden Trio Islands Tour
- The Pickup and Journey to the Islands
- First Stop: Koh Rap – The Quiet Beach Paradise
- Lunch: Beachside Dining with Ocean Views
- Second Stop: Bar Mad Sum Island
- Snorkeling at the Pristine Spot
- Return Journey and Drop-Off
- Practical Details and What You Need to Know
- Transportation & Duration
- Price & Value
- Group Size & Guides
- Weather & Seasickness
- Authentic Experiences from Reviewers
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
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Key Points

- Relaxed pace: Designed for downtime, swimming, sunbathing, or exploring at your own pace.
- Charming pigs: Meet and photograph friendly pigs roaming freely on the beaches.
- Snorkeling fun: Discover vibrant marine life in clear, shallow waters.
- Delicious on-beach lunch: Enjoy a tasty meal with sea views and a sea breeze.
- Flexible activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and exploring are all options.
- Weather considerations: Calm weather makes the ride smoother and more enjoyable.
An In-Depth Look at the Golden Trio Islands Tour

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The Pickup and Journey to the Islands
Your day begins with a hotel pickup from most areas in Koh Samui, with transportation included. The van ride to Thong Krut Pier takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to start relaxing before the boat ride. Keep in mind that pickup times vary depending on your location, so confirming your exact time after booking is advisable. For cruise guests, pickup from Nathon Port is available at 7:00 AM, perfect if you’re arriving by cruise ship.
Once at the pier, you’ll board a speedboat, which takes about 20 minutes to reach the first stop. The boat ride itself is typically calm, but reviewers suggest that windier days might cause a rougher experience—if you’re prone to seasickness, consider weather conditions or taking precautions.
First Stop: Koh Rap – The Quiet Beach Paradise
Koh Rap is the initial highlight. The boat drops anchor at a secluded beach where time seems to slow. The soft white sand, gentle waves, and natural surroundings create an atmosphere of pure serenity. Here, you’ll meet the island’s famous pigs, who roam freely along the shoreline. Several reviews point out that these pigs are charming but can nibble or behave unpredictably, so it’s wise to keep a safe distance and avoid feeding or touching them.
One traveler from Germany noted, “The pigs are very cute, but you should be cautious—they can nibble.” This spot is perfect for taking relaxed photos, swimming in the calm waters, or simply soaking up the peaceful environment. You’ll also have about two hours to explore, swim, or paddleboard—giving plenty of time to unwind and capture lovely shots.
Lunch: Beachside Dining with Ocean Views
After some leisure time, a delicious lunch is served directly on the beach. The meal is often described as tasty, with some reviewers calling it “really good,” and it comes with the soothing backdrop of the ocean and sea breeze. This relaxed dining experience elevates the trip, making it more than just a sightseeing tour but a memorable feast with spectacular views. Expect seasonal fruits and refreshing drinks to keep you cool.
More Great Tours NearbySecond Stop: Bar Mad Sum Island
Next, you’ll hop back onto the boat and head to Bar Mad Sum Island, a quiet, scenic spot perfect for snapping photos, walking around, or enjoying some more swimming. The island also features wildlife viewing and some guided tours, though the emphasis remains on a laid-back experience. Expect to spend around 40 minutes here—enough to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
Snorkeling at the Pristine Spot
The final highlight is snorkeling at a well-chosen location with brilliantly clear waters. The warm, inviting sea reveals a colorful underwater world with tropical fishes darting through sunlight-filtered waters. Reviewers have described this as a “calm” and “refreshing” experience, often citing the peace they felt floating over the marine life. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided, ensuring safety and convenience.
Return Journey and Drop-Off
After about 45 minutes of snorkeling, the boat starts its return to Thong Krut Pier, and then your transfer back to your hotel concludes the trip. The entire experience lasts about 4.5 hours—compact but packed with memorable moments.
Practical Details and What You Need to Know

Transportation & Duration
The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, which makes the logistics hassle-free. The entire experience lasts roughly 4.5 hours, ideal for a half-day escape from the busy beaches or resorts.
Price & Value
While the tour’s price covers essentials—transportation, snorkeling gear, lunch, insurance, and entrance fees—the value depends on how much you enjoy relaxed beach days and animal encounters. Some reviews suggest that the pricing might feel steep for the experience, especially if you’ve seen similar tours costing less. However, the combination of peaceful beaches, friendly wildlife, and good food offers a notable experience for those looking for a laid-back day.
Group Size & Guides
The trip is run by Backpacker Samui Travel, with live guides speaking both English and Thai. While not specified in the reviews, group sizes tend to be moderate, allowing for a personal touch without feeling crowded.
Weather & Seasickness
Reviewers advise planning your trip for a calm weather day. Windy conditions can make the boat ride less comfortable, especially for those prone to seasickness. Motion sickness remedies might be a good idea if you’re sensitive.
Authentic Experiences from Reviewers

One traveler from Sweden summed it up well: “The tour was well organized, with perfectly timed stops. The food was very good, and seeing the pigs was a fun, unique experience—though they can nibble, so beware.” Their positive feedback underscores the well-structured nature of the trip and highlights the playful pig encounters as a standout.
Another review mentioned some frustration with pricing variability, noting that “different prices” are offered, and feeling that the cost per person might not always match the experience. This points to the importance of comparing options beforehand or confirming what’s included.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who love relaxed, scenic days. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with plenty of time to swim, photograph wildlife, and enjoy good food, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind a boat ride and want a taste of authentic island life with friendly animals and beautiful underwater sights.
However, if you’re after an adrenaline rush or are sensitive to boat motion, you might want to consider weather conditions or look for more active alternatives.
Final Thoughts

This Golden Trio Islands Tour offers a gentle, authentic taste of Koh Samui’s natural beauty and simple pleasures. The highlight for many is the chance to relax on quiet beaches, meet free-roaming pigs, and snorkel in vibrant waters—all wrapped in a well-organized, easy-to-join package.
While the experience might seem a little pricey to some, the combination of scenic beaches, engaging wildlife, and tasty lunch makes it a solid choice for those wanting a calm, picture-perfect day out. It’s especially worth considering if you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy a mix of nature, food, and gentle adventure.
FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip hotel transfers from most areas in Koh Samui, with specific pickup times based on your location.
What should I bring for the trip?
Make sure to bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen. These essentials will help you enjoy the day comfortably.
Can I interact with the pigs?
You should keep a safe distance from the pigs—they are wild animals and can behave unpredictably. Do not touch, feed, or provoke them, as interaction is at your own risk.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those over 70, or people prone to seasickness.
How long are each of the stops?
You’ll spend about two hours at Koh Rap, 40 minutes at Bar Mad Sum Island, and roughly 45 minutes snorkeling, totaling around 4.5 hours overall.
What if the weather is windy or rough?
Wind can make boat rides less comfortable and more prone to seasickness. It’s best to choose a calm-weather day and consider remedies if you’re sensitive to motion.
This tour balances scenic beauty, playful animal encounters, and delicious food—making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a relaxed and authentic island escape. Whether you’re after idyllic beaches, underwater exploration, or just some quality downtime, the Golden Trio Islands trip offers a genuine taste of Koh Samui’s charm.
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