Koh Tao, which in Thai means Turtle Island, is one of the most spectacular islands in Southern Thailand and, in my opinion, the uttermost definition of paradise.
Its white sandy shores, warm waters, lush vegetation, epic viewpoints, and beautiful hiking trails make it one of the most sought-after destinations in the country, together with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phi Phi Island.
But above all, Koh Tao is renowned for its diving, as the small island is located on the Chumphon Archipelago and surrounded by clear waters teeming with marine life, corals, and even shipwrecks.
If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, make sure Koh Tao is on your list. I loved this island, and friends I recommended it to have gone back again and again. There’s something magnetic about it!
To help you plan the most epic vacation in this slice of Thai paradise, I’ve come up with the top things to do in Koh Tao, from snorkeling with turtles to attending cooking classes and enjoying fire shows. Read on!
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HOW TO GET TO KOH TAO
Koh Tao is not one of the easiest islands to reach in Thailand, but luckily there are a few different ways to get there. I usually book my tickets in advance with 12Go, the ultimate transportation platform to get around Asia. The best part about it, in my opinion, is that it offers combo transfers so you don’t have to book a bus and ferry independently if you need both to reach a destination.
➤ The easiest way to get to Koh Tao is to catch a plane to Koh Samui and then take the ferry directly to Koh Tao. This is the most expensive method, but also the quickest. Most ferries run from Koh Samui in the morning, but there are additional ones later in the afternoon. ➥ BOOK YOUR FERRY HERE
➤ Alternatively, you can fly to Chumphon, and then take a bus to the ferry port, and a ferry to Koh Tao. You can get to Chumphon quite easily from Bangkok, and this is the option I chose. It’s cheaper than flying to Koh Samui, but will take longer.
Nok Air is one of my favorite low-cost companies in Asia and it offers the journey. Once in Chumphon, you’ll take a ferry to the island. ➥ BOOK YOUR FERRY HERE
➤ You can also choose the flight to Surat Thani+bus+ferry. This is a small city to the south of Koh Tao, and once you arrive there you’ll have to take a bus to the ferry port, and then the ferry to Koh Tao. It takes longer than going from Chumphon, but check out this option if flights to Chumphon are expensive for your dates. ➥ BOOK YOUR TRANSFER HERE
➤ Some companies offer a direct coach and ferry service from Bangkok. The coach takes around 8 hours and drops you at Chumphon ferry port. From there you catch the ferry over to Koh Tao. Again, this is one of the longer options, but is also cheaper than flying. You can book the night service so you don’t lose a day of your holiday traveling. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ The final option is to take a sleeper train from Bangkok to Chumphon. Operating at night, sleeper trains offer one of the safest methods of travel in the area. It also saves you hotel money as you’ll spend the night on the train. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
READ ALSO: The Ultimate Thailand Packing List
THINGS TO DO IN KOH TAO
Koh Tao is a laid-back, relaxed beach destination, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do there. You’d be surprised! Here you’ll find some of the best activities to enjoy on the island.
Rent a Bike and Explore the Island
Koh Tao is tiny compared to its neighboring islands, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, which means you can fully explore it on a bicycle, a scooter, a quad bike, or a motorbike. You can get to stunning viewpoints, hidden beaches, and great cafés on the other side of the island, or simply go for a ride to enjoy the palm-fringed roads!
Scooters are easy to rent at local shops – it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a license – and they start at around 150 Thai baht a day, less than $5 at the time of writing. However, be careful who rent your set of wheels from. Some shops con tourists into paying more than they should for the bikes.
Google Maps works super well to give you directions around Koh Tao, but please note that some roads can be very steep and not in the greatest condition, so if you’ve never ridden a motorbike, stick to the main roads or hire a bicycle or quad bike instead.
You don’t want to end up at the hospital! In any case, it’s always a good idea to be covered by travel insurance when you travel. Also, ensure you wear a helmet while riding, even if it’s not mandatory.
This mode of transport will save you money as you won’t have to pay for a cab every time you want to move around, and it’s great fun.
Soak Up the Sun at Sairee Beach
There’s no point in going to a postcard-looking island and skipping the beach entirely. It might even be the reason for your visit! In Koh Tao, Sairee Beach offers the perfect spot to chill by the sea and swim in the warm turquoise waters.
The beach stretches for a mile along the west side of the island, and it’s lined by cafés and restaurants with direct access from the beach and overlooking the sea, so you’ll want for nothing!
There’s also a coral reef just 100 feet (30 meters) from the shore that offers great snorkeling, or you can spend the day topping up your tan on the golden sands.
Make sure you stick around for the beautiful sunset, and explore the beach to find the ultimate Instagram shot… maybe with that picture-perfect palm tree?
At night, Sairee Beach is still the place to be as the top bars and restaurants on the island are found there, and sometimes offer fire shows or live music.
Relax With Some Yoga
Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you can’t do your yoga poses. Koh Tao has several yoga studios which you can visit to do some yoga.
Some classes as just perfect as they are conducted in places with beautiful ocean views. I recommend classes at Shambhala Yoga which are around 300 baht per class or Ocean Sound.
Take a Day Trip to Koh Nang Yuan
Ko Nang Yuan is a small island (actually three islands connected by a narrow aisle of white sand) off the coast of Koh Tao, and it’s the perfect destination for a day trip. It’s a great spot for diving and snorkeling, but it’s mainly visited for its iconic viewpoint. Just look at those views!
The only way to reach the island is by boat or catamaran, either by hiring a longtail taxi or stopping by with a snorkeling tour.
You can rent a longtail boat just for yourself/your group for about 300-400 baht each way ($9-12) but if you are just one or two it makes sense to join a tour. You can book one online in advance or book it at one of the many tour agencies in Koh Tao.
When you are in Koh Nang Yuan, don’t be lazy and walk up to the viewpoint – the views are incredible! Make sure you bring closed shoes and mosquito repellent, the mosquitoes ate us alive.
▶️ The Koh Tao: Islands Snorkeling Highlights Day Tour & Lunch takes you to the most stunning locations on the island. You’ll sail to astounding snorkeling spots to swim with turtles and schools of fish, spend time on Nangyuan beach, and have lunch onboard. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Koh Tao: Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Nang Yuan Island promises a fun experience as you sail around the island to snorkel in the most iconic locations. The boat is equipped with a waterslide, floating sunbeds, and a climbing wall, and you’ll be treated to lunch and refreshments onboard. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Go Hiking
There are so many different places to visit on the island, and one of the most rewarding ways to explore them is hiking. Even if you’re not usually a big walker, take a chance when you’re here. Hiking trails in Koh Tao usually take you to the most stunning viewpoints on the island or hidden beaches that are inaccessible otherwise!
There are plenty to choose from, but one of the unmissable hikes is the one to Tanote Bay. Although it’s quite challenging, the views are super rewarding, and you’ll even get to swim in the crystal waters and snorkel on the coral reef along the shore.
Tanote Bay is on the east coast of the island, so if you’re staying on the west coast you might want to drive your scooter there first.
Other viewpoints I recommend are the John Suwan Viewpoint and Fraggle Rock. You’ll get the most epic photos of Koh Tao from there!
The best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon. The midday heat may be too intense for this activity.
Enjoy the Sunset at Mango Bay Viewpoint
Mango Bay Viewpoint is one of my favorite places in Koh Tao. It offers a phenomenal view over Sairee Beach, but it’s the sunset vistas you should be going for. They’re unreal!
Mango Bay is in the north of Koh Tao, and you can either hike to the viewpoint (it takes about 1.5 hours to go up, and slightly less to get back) or ride your scooter. The road is bumpy and windy, though, so drive carefully!
There is now a 100 baht fee per person (approximately $3) and you can buy a coconut and chill at the bar while watching the bay.
Get a Massage
Thailand has some of the best massage parlors in the world, and it’s no wonder seeing as their signature massage, Thai Massage, is famous all around the world.
You can get amazing, super cheap massages anywhere you go in Thailand, and that includes Koh Tao. After all the hiking, partying, and swimming you’ll be doing on the island, show your body some love by getting a Thai massage.
It’s also a great activity to enjoy on a rainy day (which unfortunately can happen even in paradise!) Koh Tao is home to both family-run, local spas and luxurious salons, so you’ll find a great range of prices and services offered.
Some of the top-rated massage parlors on the island include Infinity Koh Tao, Mai Thai Health Massage, and the Majestic Spa. You can’t go wrong anywhere though, so don’t be afraid to walk in if you see a place you like!
Learn How to Dive
Koh Tao is one of the prime locations in Asia to get your diving certification because it’s regarded as one of the cheapest places in the world to do it. That’s besides the glorious diving spots around the island, of course.
Diving courses are the main source of income in Koh Tao and what it’s most famous for, so don’t be surprised when you walk out of the port and past countless different diving schools left and right. There are plenty!
So while you’re there, why not learn a new skill? For about $300 you can get your Open Water certification, or take a new step in your diving journey by getting the more advanced courses. Many people even come here to get certified as dive masters or instructors!
What makes Koh Tao particularly cool for diving and snorkeling is the chance to spot turtles, though you can also explore the coral reef, dive through shipwrecks, and if you’re lucky, swim with whale sharks.
With so many diving shops available, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose one. A good rule of thumb is to look them up on Google and read the reviews from previous students.
You’ll also notice that there are quite a few schools founded by Spanish, Dutch, and French instructors, and they’ll offer courses in English as well as their language. If you’re from one of these countries, you might feel more comfortable learning to dive in your own language.
Some of the best diving shops in Koh Tao include Isla Tortuga and DPM for Spanish speakers (though they also offer English courses), Black Turtle Dive, Roctopus, and Coral Grand Divers. French Kiss is a good option for French-speaking people, and Impian Divers for the Dutch.
You can alternatively book one of the experiences below.
▶️ This Ko Tao: Try Scuba Diving 1-Day Experience is the perfect activity to try if you’re unsure about whether scuba diving is your thing. A professional instructor will introduce you to the basics and take you diving with colorful corals and fish without any experience required. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you’d rather learn how to scuba dive, join the Open Water Course – Become a Certified Diver in 3 days. You’ll receive intensive training in a safe space, such as a pool, before completing the course with various dives in the sea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Enjoy the Nightlife in Koh Tao
Nightlife in Koh Tao might not be as crazy as it is in Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan during the Full Moon parties, but it’s still fantastic! There’s plenty to do on the island at night, from watching Muay Thai fights to clubbing, having drinks on the beach, and attending a cabaret show.
I recommend visiting the Fishbowl Beach Bar at Sairee Beach. It offers one of the best nightlife experiences with amazing happy hour deals, live music, beer pong tables, and access to the beach.
Other great bars include The Local, which hosts pub quiz nights throughout the week, live music, and various events, and Lotus Bar, a beach party venue.
The Secret Party and Koh Tao’s Pub Crawl are fun events to join as well if you’re a party animal!
Attend a Cooking Class
If there’s one activity that tops eating all the mouthwatering food in Thailand, it’s gotta be learning how to make it. Taking a cooking class is not only super fun (and delicious!) but equips you with the recipes and secrets of Thai cuisine so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home.
There are several places on the island offering cooking classes, including Thai Cooking with Joy, Idjangs Kitchen, and Parawan Thai Home Cooking Class. Make sure to go on an empty stomach – you’ll be stuffed by the end of the course!
Watch a Fire Show
Did you ever hear the warning “don’t play with fire or you’ll get burnt” when growing up? Well, the locals in Koh Tao didn’t get the memo!
Every night, various bars on the beach entertain their guests with performances involving fire, from incredible acrobatic shows to jumping ropes on flames. You can participate if you’re brave enough!
You’ll find most of the fire shows along Sairee Beach.
Visit Koh Tao Leisure Park
The Koh Tao Leisure Park is home to an 18-hole mini-golf course that includes challenges to make it more fun, as well as pool tables, a cinema, a children’s play area, and a lively sports bar.
The park has floodlights and opens until late, so it’s a great place to hang out and have fun with your friends or fellow backpackers in the evenings.
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH TAO
These are great accommodation options for all budgets if you’re looking to spend a few days in Koh Tao (as you should!)
LUXURY: Cape Shark Villas is a 4-star accommodation featuring luxurious villas equipped with a private terrace, seating areas, full bathrooms, and sea views. Some even boast a private pool and a kitchen. There’s a private beach, an outdoor pool, and spa services.
MID-RANGE: The AVA Resort features spacious rooms with a balcony or terrace that lets in plenty of natural light. They’re equipped with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, and a flat-screen TV, as well as a bathroom with toiletries. An outdoor pool overlooks the sea.
BUDGET: Greenery Resort Koh Tao offers large rooms equipped with a seating area, a fridge and a kettle, a private bathroom, and a balcony. Toiletries and towels are provided.
You can look for more options using the map below ⬇
