Things To Do in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is the little sister of the three main islands in the Samui Archipelago – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao – and it is our favorite of the bunch! If you are looking for things to do in Koh Tao that will make this a trip to remember, you have come to the right place!
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this island is renowned for its vibrant underwater life and laid-back vibes. But the best things to do in Koh Tao are not just for the natural-born mermaids out there – trust me, I am as gracious underwater as a sea slug. In this Koh Tao guide, you will find everything you need to know – from what to do in Koh Tao, to where to stay, and even how to get there.
Best Things To Do In Koh Tao
It might be a small island, but there is no shortage of amazing things to do in Koh Tao. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you will find something in this Koh Tao guide for you.
Hike to John Suwan Viewpoint
John Suwan is arguably the best viewpoint in Koh Tao and comes bundled with the stunning Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Lagoon Beach. The entrance fee is 50 baht (1,40€), and visiting it is one of the most popular things to do in Koh Tao – so come early!
The hike takes only 20 minutes and involves some mild climbing. The panoramic view from the top, showcasing Shark Bay and Chalok Baan Kao Bay, is absolutely breathtaking (no, the lack of breath is not only an effect of the climbing).
Swim with Baby Sharks
No! Don’t panic-scroll and ignore this! Swimming with baby sharks is one of the most unique things to do in Koh Tao. And the best part? You don’t even need to book a fancy snorkeling trip – they are right at the beach! All you have to do is keep your eyes wide open and hope to find them.
These are blacktip reef sharks, a harmless species whose young are typically shy around humans. Adults may approach out of curiosity but are not known to attack unless provoked. Just remember to respect their space and the reefs while swimming nearby.
Some of the best snorkeling in Koh Tao with baby sharks is at Shark Bay and Haad Sai Daeng, where you might even spot a turtle or two. If you explore the bay by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) you will also encounter colorful corals and schools of fish. Snorkeling gear is available for rent at the beach.
Stroll Down Sairee Beach at Sunset
Sairee Beach is the longest and most popular of all the beaches in Koh Tao. While we enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the island’s smaller beaches during the day, one of our top recommendations for what to do in Koh Tao at sunset is a stroll along Sairee Beach.
You will find people doing yoga by the shore, others playing football, or even enjoying the sunset from a rented paddleboard. Lively bars and restaurants line the promenade, but before diving into food, you might find it hard to resist a relaxing Thai massage at one of the many massage parlors. This beach alone offers many possible things to do in Koh Tao during your stay.
If you are looking for beaches in Koh Tao with vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options, Sairee Beach is the place to be. If you are planning months in advance, you might still have a chance to book a stay at Natural Boutique Cottage*. If not, check out Koh Tao Cabana Hotel* – it is one of the best hotels on this beach.
Give Scuba Diving a Try
Scuba diving is one of the best things to do in Koh Tao – it is no wonder so many divers absolutely love this island. Don’t feel intimidated, though, you don’t need any prior experience to give it a go. Koh Tao boasts numerous diving schools with experienced professionals, where you can take your PADI course or simply test the waters (literally) with a one-day initiation dive*, to see if it is something you would enjoy.
This is one of the top things to do in Koh Tao for its unbeatable value for money – it is pretty much an offer you can’t refuse.
Check out the one-day experience and four-day course at La Bombona Dive School – they are absolute legends:
Take a Day Trip to Koh Nang Yuan
One of the most popular things to do in Koh Tao is visiting the tiny neighboring island of Koh Nang Yuan, known for its stunning viewpoint and crystal-clear waters. No Koh Tao travel guide is complete without mentioning this gem. That being said, it is, unfortunately, no longer a hidden treasure.
We strongly recommend visiting Koh Nang Yuan early in the morning or staying overnight* – there is only one resort on the island. You can either join a tour* or take a taxi boat from Sairee Beach.
The island charges a 250 baht (7€) entrance fee for foreigners.
Explore the Best Beaches in Koh Tao
What to do in Koh Tao when all you really want is to relax and soak up the sun? Enjoy its beaches! Rocky, sandy, small and intimate, long and vibrant, great for snorkeling – the beaches in Koh Tao come in all shapes and sizes.
To reach some of the best beaches in Koh Tao, a scooter is a must. There is no Grab on the island, but taxis are available. You can easily rent a scooter from your hotel or one of the many rental shops on the island.
Now, what kind of Koh Tao guide would this be without sharing our favorites:
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Sairee Beach: The island's main and longest beach. Great for watching the sunset and partying the night away.
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Freedom Beach & Taa Toh Lagoon: Amazing neighboring beaches, near John Suwan viewpoint. Some of the best sandy beaches in Koh Tao.
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Haad Sai Daeng: A quiet beach with shade from trees and a single restaurant. You might spot baby sharks!
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Tanote Bay: Good atmosphere but a bit on the rocky side. Features a huge rock from which people cliff jump.
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Aow June Juea: A beautiful hidden gem and one of our favorite beaches in Koh Tao.
We strongly suggest packing water shoes – they will make your visit to many of the beaches in Koh Tao much more pleasant.
Watch Sunset from the Secret Bar
One of the must things to do in Koh Tao is enjoying the sunset, but what better way to experience it than with a drink in your hand, at an amazing viewpoint bar, in the most laid-back atmosphere? There are a couple of bars with great sunset views, but we have a soft spot for the Secret Bar.
Expect quite an uphill journey to get here, but it is doable by scooter. Come early to guarantee a good spot, as the Secret Bar is no longer a secret I’m afraid.
Join a Snorkeling Trip
By now, you already know that exploring the underwater world is one of the best things to do in Koh Tao. If diving is not your thing, but you are eager to go beyond the beaches, a snorkeling day trip is the perfect alternative. Plus, some of these tours are surprisingly budget-friendly!
Many tour packages include a stop at Koh Nang Yuan, making it a great way to tick two things off your list of what to do in Koh Tao in one go.
Here you have some of the best snorkeling Koh Tao tours:
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Enjoy the Local Gastronomy
This one is a no-brainer – Thai gastronomy is to die for! Whether you are savoring the iconic Pad Thai, indulging in a hearty Massaman curry, crunching on a zesty Som Tum, or feasting on the freshest grilled fish and seafood, finding dishes to love here is easy.
However, there is a wide offer of western style restaurants on the island that can distract you from the real deal. So, make sure to support local businesses – they offer the most amazing meals for unbeatable prices.
Where to Stay in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is not a big island, but it manages to have perfect spots for all types of travelers, from those who want to be in the heart of the action (Sairee Beach), conveniently near the pier (Mae Haad), or tucked away among nature, with a crystal-clear beach just for themselves.
Accommodation in Koh Tao is limited, so make sure to book in advance, mainly during the high season.
Each area has its own charm, but after spending a fair amount of time on the island, these are our absolute favorite accommodations where to stay in Koh Tao:
How to Get to Koh Tao
Let’s cut to the chase: the only way to get to Koh Tao is by boat. There is no airport in Koh Tao – the closest one is in Koh Samui. While the boat ride is usually not significantly bumpy, we always suggest playing it safe and taking a seasickness pill beforehand.
There is a 20 baht (0,60€) preservation fee that you will need to pay in cash upon arrival in Koh Tao.
To make your planning easier, here is a breakdown of how to get to Koh Tao from some of the most popular starting points:
Surat Thani to Koh Tao
Surat Thani is a major gateway for travelers heading to Thailand’s Gulf islands. It has great train, bus, and even flight (Surat Thani International Airport) connections with the rest of the country.
You can either purchase just the ferry ticket or get a combined ticket that includes pickup from the city center, airport, or train station. Check your options and get your ticket here:
A speedboat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao takes around 3 hours. However, the journey can take up to 8 hours if you choose the night boat – which is almost the same price as the speedboat, so we don’t see the point in it.
Bangkok to Koh Tao
To go from Bangkok to Koh Tao you can choose between taking a flight to Koh Samui* and continue the journey from there (the fastest and most comfortable option); taking a train to Surat Thani* and then get a transfer+boat combo ticket, as mentioned above; or opt for a bus and ferry* combo ticket (the most budget friendly option). Find here the alternative that suit you best:
If you travel by train, we strongly recommend booking a sleeper seat (bottom bunk if available). If you are in an AC cabin, bring a hoodie – it gets really cold.
Koh Samui to Koh Tao
Koh Tao is just a boat ride away from Koh Samui, usually taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Some operators offer transfers from your hotel, but if you prefer to reach the pier on your own, make sure to check where the boat departs from, as different companies operate from different piers. You can easily get your tickets, or check prices and departure times, here:
Best Time to Visit Koh Tao
The best time to visit Koh Tao is usually between January and May, when the weather is sunny and the sea calm – ideal for diving and snorkeling. However, from April, expect the heat and humidity levels to rise.
June to September are the next best option. June is very quiet on the island, but August is extremely busy due to European summer holidays. During this period, expect occasional rain, choppy seas, and windy days.
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