The cruise in a nutshell
There are sunsets you watch from a beach bar, and there is this one: seen from the middle of the water, with the islands turning black against an orange sky and the engine idling underneath you.
The boat is not a catamaran or a speedboat. It is a traditional wooden trawler - a real Thai fishing vessel, beautifully restored for cruising. Broad-beamed, unhurried, all timber and rope, with rooftop beanbags and real deck space to stretch out on. It rolls gently instead of slamming, which means you can hold a glass without thinking about it.
The afternoon unfolds at the boat’s pace: a long cruise along the coast, an anchored swim stop in a calm bay, soft drinks and light evening bites served on deck, and then the part everyone came for - the sun going down over the Gulf of Thailand, with nothing between you and it.
Highlights
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A restored wooden trawlerCharacter, timber and rooftop beanbags, not a plastic day boat.
🌊
Swim stopAnchored in a calm bay while the light softens.
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Drinks & evening bitesServed on deck, with the coast sliding past.
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Golden hour at seaThe island’s best sunset, from the only angle that counts.
How the afternoon goes
- 2:00 – 2:30 pmHotel pick-up, the exact time is confirmed once the operator has your hotel details
- At the marinaWelcome on board and a short safety briefing
- ≈ 4:00 pmLines cast off: a slow cruise along Koh Samui’s coastline from the rooftop beanbags
- Swim stopAnchor down in a calm bay: swimming, floating, and a drink with music on
- Golden hourLight evening bites and refreshments on deck as the sky turns orange, pink and gold
- SunsetThe main event - the sun dropping into the gulf, seen from the water
- ReturnBack to the marina, then drop-off at your hotel
The cruise lasts about 5 hours door to door, of which roughly 4.5 hours are at sea. Sunset times shift through the year, so the schedule moves with them, and the route is adjusted to wherever the water is calmest that evening.
✅ What’s included
- Round-trip hotel transfers (selected areas)
- Cruise aboard a restored wooden trawler
- Professional crew
- Soft drinks
- Light evening bites
- Life jackets
- Travel accident insurance
❌ Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Towels and swimwear
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Tips (optional, appreciated)
The binding list of inclusions is the one shown on the GetYourGuide booking page, it is updated by the operator and always takes precedence over this summary.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes for the swim stop
- A light layer - it cools down quickly once the sun is gone
- Sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen for the early part of the cruise
- Non-slip footwear - it is a working boat’s deck
- Camera and a little cash
💡 Good to know
📅 Departure days: Monday to Friday, no weekend departures. Bookings close 4 hours before departure.
👥 Minimum group: the cruise needs at least 8 participants. If that number isn’t reached you’re offered another date, another tour, or a full refund.
🚐 Pick-up: usually between 2:00 and 2:30 pm, from most areas of Koh Samui with Chaweng as the standard zone. An extra charge may apply for hotels well outside it.
🍸 Drinks: soft drinks and light bites are included. Alcohol is not included, and bringing your own on board isn’t permitted.
🌦️ Weather policy: the itinerary may be adjusted for safety depending on sea conditions, and some of the best skies come with scattered cloud.
🚫 Restrictions: not suitable for children under 4, pregnant travellers, wheelchair users, or anyone with serious mobility limitations. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
💖 Special occasions: proposals, birthdays, anniversaries, tell us on WhatsApp and we’ll pass it on quietly to the crew.
🗣️ Language: the cruise is run in English. Our own team answers you in French on WhatsApp, before and after booking.
Book this cruise
Pick your date below: availability, prices and payment are handled by GetYourGuide, our booking partner. The cruise is operated by Samui Transport & Tours. Instant confirmation, mobile voucher, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
In pictures
Frequently asked questions
What time does it start and finish?
Hotel pick-up is usually between 2:00 and 2:30 pm, and the cruise itself casts off around 4:00 pm for roughly four and a half hours at sea. Your exact pick-up time is confirmed once the operator has your hotel name. Sunset times shift through the year, so the schedule moves with them.
What exactly is a wooden trawler?
A traditional Thai fishing boat, built in wood and beautifully restored for cruising: broad, slow, stable and full of character. There are rooftop beanbags and real deck space, and it rolls far less than a speedboat, so you can hold a glass without thinking about it.
Which days does the cruise run?
Monday to Friday, no weekend departures. Bookings close 4 hours before departure, and the cruise needs a minimum of 8 participants to run: if that number isn’t reached you’re offered another date, another tour, or a full refund.
Are drinks included?
Soft drinks and light evening bites are served on board and included in the price. Alcoholic drinks are not included, and bringing your own alcohol on board is not permitted.
Is it suitable for a proposal or an anniversary?
It is one of the best settings on the island for it. Message us on WhatsApp beforehand and we’ll pass the details on discreetly, or look at our private tours if you’d rather have the whole boat to yourselves. Note that children under 4, pregnant travellers and wheelchair users cannot join this cruise.
Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, round-trip transfers are included from most areas of Koh Samui, with the standard pick-up zone around Chaweng. An additional charge may apply if your hotel is far outside that area.
📖 From the blog: The best sunsets on Koh Samui · Koh Samui itinerary: 5 perfect days
