KOH TAO - Welcome

K O H T A O

ULTIMATE KOH TAO ITINERARY

Koh Tao, a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of those places that stays with you- a tropical paradise with a slower pace of life that lets you fully unwind. Located just north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Koh Tao is renowned for its world-class diving and laid-back atmosphere. I had always heard about the island’s beauty, but experiencing it in person was something else entirely. From stunning beaches to breathtaking viewpoints and great local spots to eat, here’s a personal guide to the highlights that made my time in Koh Tao unforgettable.

HOW TO GET TO KOH TAO

There is a direct ferry and speedboat between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The travel time is between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on the weather conditions. Since Koh Samui has an airport, it’s a convenient starting point for your trip to Koh Tao. A one-way ticket costs 700 baht, which is approximately 18 euros. Additionally, the ferry company Lomprayah offers a pick-up service by van for 150 baht from various locations around the island. You can book your ticket directly with Lomprayah or through 12go.

Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
The trip from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is similar to the journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, using the same ferry service. From Koh Phangan, the boat ride takes about 1 hour.

Surat Thani to Koh Tao
It is also possible to take a direct boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao, or vice versa. When I left Koh Tao and continued my journey to Khao Sok. The speedboat takes around 3 hours. There is also a night boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao, but if possible, I recommend opting for the speedboat.

Bangkok to Koh Tao
Lastly, you can travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao. The total trip takes about 9 hours and includes both a bus and ferry ride. Alternatively, you can fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui and take the 1.5-hour ferry. For those on a budget, the ferry is the best option and costs around €35. This trip can also be booked through 12go.

HOW TO GET AROUND KOH TAO

Koh Tao is a relatively small island, and the best and most convenient way to explore it is by scooter. Renting a scooter allows you to discover hidden parts of the island at your own pace, making the most of your time. If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter, Tuk Tuks are also available as an alternative for getting around easily.

BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH TAO

The best time to visit Koh Tao for ideal weather is between February and April. During this period, the island experiences warm, sunny days and calm seas, making it perfect for diving, snorkelling, and beach activities. This is also considered the peak season, so the island is lively, but accommodations and tours may need to be booked in advance.

For those looking to avoid the peak season crowds, mid-December to February offers pleasant weather as the rainy season tapers off, though it may be slightly cooler and breezier. This is still a great time to visit, with fewer tourists and good conditions for outdoor adventures.

May to September brings slightly higher temperatures and occasional rain, but it’s still possible to enjoy the island. The seas are generally calm, and prices tend to be lower.

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN KOH TAO

The best areas to stay in Koh Tao are Sairee Beach, Mae Haad Bay, and Chalok Baan Kao Bay, each offering a unique island experience.

Sairee Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling with bars, restaurants, and beachfront cafes, making it the perfect spot for those seeking an active, social atmosphere.

For a more peaceful retreat, Chalok Baan Kao Bay and Mae Haad Bay are ideal. These areas feature calm, crystal-clear waters, secluded coves, and lush tropical surroundings, perfect for a relaxed, laid-back vacation.

LÜCKE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Located just a 5-minute walk from Mae Haad Pier, Lücke Boutique Hotel – Adults Only features elegant, stylish rooms with stunning sea views.

Ecotao Lodge

Perched in a picturesque setting with breathtaking sea views, Ecotao Lodge is located on the peaceful northern side of Koh Tao, near Hin Wong Bay. The property offers a serene escape with an on-site restaurant, a vibrant bar, and a tranquil garden, an outdoor pool and a spacious terrace perfect for relaxation.

The AVA Resort Koh Tao

Located just 600 meters from the stunning Koh Nang Yuan Beach, The AVA Resort Koh Tao provides a relaxing retreat with an inviting outdoor swimming pool, complimentary private parking, and a garden. Only 1 km from the lively Sairee Beach, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful stay with convenient access to vibrant nightlife and dining options.

Cape Shark Villas

Enjoy luxurious villas with private beach access, spacious terraces, and air-conditioned bedrooms. Some villas feature private pools and fully-equipped kitchens. Conveniently located just 3.7 km from Sairee Beach and 6.8 km from Nangyuan Island, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Mae haad Pier.

RESTAURANTS & CAFE'S IN KOH TAO

BRUNCH IN KOH TAO

Exploring Koh Tao can work up quite an appetite, and luckily, the island has a fantastic café and brunch scene. A few of my favourites included:

Blue Shark Brunch

This spot is a true gem for breakfast and snacks! The staff are incredibly friendly, and the breakfast menu is fantastic. Be sure to try their amazing smoothies!

The café also boasts air conditioning and reliable internet, making it a popular choice for digital nomads and those needing a comfortable workspace.

Factory Cafe

Factory Cafe is a fantastic spot for all-day brunch, amazing coffee, and a charming sunny terrace where you can enjoy a leisurely morning.

Coconut Monkey

Coconut Monkey is a beachfront café and bar offering a delightful selection of wholesome and hearty snacks, satisfying main courses, and irresistible desserts and treats. Whether you’re in the mood for a nutritious bite or a indulgent treat, this spot has something to satisfy every cravings.

Nui Bakery

Nui’s Bakery & Sandwiches is a hidden gem, known for its handcrafted pastries and freshly baked breads made with organic ingredients. This cosy spot serves some of the best sourdough and homemade treats around, and their coffee is simply divine.

KOPPEE ESPRESSO BAR & RESTAURANT

Koppee Pool Lounge, located in the heart of Chalok Bay, is Koh Tao’s favorite beachfront café and restaurant. Enjoy delicious food, stunning sea views, and plush beanbag seating in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the day from sunrise to sunset.

RESTAURANTS IN KOH TAO

MAMA TAM

Mama Tam might not win any awards for its exterior, but don’t let that fool you. This charming family-run eatery serves up some of the best Pad Thai and morning glory on the island. Inside, you’ll discover an authentic Thai dining experience that’s a true hidden gem.

995 Roasted Duck

995 Duck is a renowned gem in Koh Tao, celebrated for its exceptional roast duck dishes. Although the menu is small, everything is done exceptionally well. You can enjoy a range of roast duck dishes, along with other rice and noodle options. This place has earned its fame for good reason!

Blue Chair

This spot quickly became one of our top choices for authentic Thai food on the island. We sampled a variety of dishes, and each one was fantastic. Their curries, in particular, stand out with bold, vibrant flavours that truly impress.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN KOH TAO

1- Sai Nuan Beach : Off the beaten path

If you’re looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying a beautiful beach, Sai Nuan Beach is the perfect place to find your peace. Less developed than other beaches, it showcases a raw, natural beauty that is truly captivating. The vibe is wonderfully laid-back, and the best part? You can enjoy a stunning sunset from Banana Rock Bar while sipping on a cold drink. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

If you continue walking past the rocks on the beach, facing the sea, you’ll discover Sai Thong Beach, another hidden gem. Both of these beaches offer some of the most magical sunsets on the island!

2-JANSOM BAY

I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical about paying the 100 THB entrance fee at Jansom Bay, half-expecting it to be a tourist trap. But as soon as I stepped onto the beach, I knew it was money well spent. The sand is clean, the water crystal clear, and best of all, it’s usually quiet- perfect if you’re after a peaceful swim away from the crowds.

The bay has an unusual charm too. A resort once operated here but has remained closed since the pandemic, leaving the area with a slightly deserted feel that only adds to its sense of seclusion. A handful of yellow deck chairs are still scattered along the beach and can be rented for a small fee if you’d like a comfortable spot to stretch out between swims.

3-Shark Bay: Swimming with sharks

As soon as I heard about Shark Bay, I knew I had to visit. The bay is named after the blacktip reef sharks that swim in its waters, but don’t worry- they’re completely harmless! Snorkelling here was an absolute highlight of my trip. It was my first time swimming with sharks, and the experience was exhilarating. The water is incredibly clear, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot these gentle creatures gliding gracefully below you. In addition to the blacktip reef sharks, there are also two large resident green turtles that frequent Shark Bay.

If you access the beach through the Haadtien Beach Resort, there is a 100 baht fee. Alternatively, you can use the stairs at the Rocky Resort Restaurant, where no entrance fee is required. The Rocky Resort is located on the far left side of Shark Bay. Keep in mind that the stairs end in the sea at high tide, so you may need to walk through the water to reach the beach.

4- June Juea beach

Hidden in the quieter southwest corner of Koh Tao, June Juea Beach feels like a secluded paradise. I stumbled upon this tranquil spot by chance, and it quickly became my go-to spot. The serene atmosphere here is simply unmatched. The beach is divided by a large rock. If you climb over it, you’ll find the second beach, which quickly became my personal favourite.

5-Mango viewpoint

Koh Tao is home to several incredible viewpoints that are perfect for catching the island’s most memorable sunsets. One standout is Mango Viewpoint, perched high in the northern hills. The road leading up is fairly accessible but very steep in sections, so you may need to park your scooter and continue on foot. From Sairee Beach, the island’s main tourist hub, it’s only about a 15-minute ride. At the top, you’ll be greeted with sweeping panoramic views and a small hillside restaurant and juice bar where you can relax with a refreshing drink while taking in the scenery.

6-Freedom Beach & John Suwan viewpoint

Freedom Beach is stunning, even though it’s one of the more popular spots to visit. There’s an entrance fee of 50 THB, which provides access not only to the beach but also to John-Suwan Viewpoint in the same area. I recommend arriving early in the morning to beat the crowds. There are also a couple of nearby restaurants, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the shore.

The hike to John-Suwan Viewpoint is short but steep, taking about 20 minutes. Once you reach the top, the views are absolutely breathtaking. We went for sunset after spending a few hours at Freedom Beach, but when we arrived at the viewpoint, it was packed with tourists, leaving little room on the rocks to take in the scenery. If I could do it again, I would opt for sunrise to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the experience.

7- Tah Toh Yai beach

About 15 minutes from Sairee Beach, Taa Toh Bay is a great little spot if you’re looking for somewhere quieter but still easy to get to. It doesn’t charge an entrance fee, which makes it a nice alternative to some of the more commercialized beaches on Koh Tao. The water is usually calm and good for swimming, and there’s a small restaurant right on the sand where you can grab lunch without having to leave the bay.

From here, you can follow a wooden boardwalk along the shoreline to Freedom Beach. The walk only takes a few minutes and gives you some nice views on the way. Freedom Beach does require an entrance ticket though- 50 baht per person, which you’ll need to buy in advance at the parking area above Taa Toh Bay.

8- Koh Nang Yuan: A Quick Island Getaway

From Sairee Beach, it’s just a 15-minute boat ride to the stunning Koh Nang Yuan. This small trio of islands, connected by sandbars, is truly picture-perfect. Located in a natural reserve, its shallow reefs make it one of the best spots for diving and snorkelling in Thailand. While many day-trippers come to enjoy the beach life, the island is open only from around 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., so be sure not to overstay, as the last boat taxi departs at 5 p.m. Boat taxi prices range from 300–400 THB one way, and tickets are sold throughout Koh Tao. However, we found that booking directly on the beach is cheaper. We bought a return ticket for 600 THB, which was more affordable than booking on the high street.

In addition to relaxing on the beach, I highly recommend hiking up to the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint for spectacular views. The panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and the connecting sandbars are some of the most breathtaking in Thailand.

For even more seclusion, consider visiting Tanote Bay or Ao Hin Wong Beach on the east coast of Koh Tao. Both are a bit off the beaten path but offer fantastic snorkelling and a chance to experience the island’s more rugged, untouched beauty.

9- Go on a snorkel trip

Koh Tao may be famous as a diving destination, but I found it just as magical for snorkelling. The waters are unbelievably clear, the reefs are full of colour, and it doesn’t take long before you’re swimming alongside schools of tropical fish.

Joining a snorkelling tour is one of the easiest ways to see the best spots. Most operators offer half-day or full-day trips, usually stopping at five of the island’s highlights. If you’d prefer something more personal, hiring a long-tail taxi boat is a great alternative. It gives you the freedom to set your own schedule and spend as much time as you like in places such as Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Japanese Gardens, and Lighthouse Bay.

Booking is very straightforward-tour agencies are everywhere around Sairee Beach and in the main villages, and many hotels can arrange trips too. I personally had a great experience with Oxygen Tour Koh Tao, which I’d happily recommend if you want to book ahead. You’ll also see beach vendors selling tours in the busier areas; just make sure to double-check what’s included and that they’re reputable before committing.