You may have already heard about the island of Koh Tao, which is located in Thailand near well-known islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Koh Tao is the smallest of the three islands and boasts beautiful beaches with clean white sand, excellent restaurants, and amazing marine life that can be found on almost every beach.
Not only snorkel lovers, but also diving enthusiasts will love it here. Koh Tao is one of the top destinations where it is worth doing a PADI diving course. You can do it here for a fraction of the typical price compared to other destinations in the world.
Koh Tao is also an ideal place for people who love beaches that look like they are cut out of a postcard. They all have an amazing tropical paradise vibe and clean water where you can find many beautiful corals and fish. Therefore, exploring Koh Tao’s beaches is one of the best things you can do on the island.
Since we spent around one week on this small island we would like to show you the best beaches on Koh Tao. Hope our guide will help you decide where you want to spend your time on Koh Tao.
Where is Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Phangan lies 45 kilometers south and Koh Samui is also nearby. You can find Koh Tao east of the Surat Thani coastline.
You can also save the location of Koh Tao to your Google Maps app.
How to get to Koh Tao
The only way to get here is by boat since Koh Tao is an island without any airport. There are direct ferries from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Surat Thani on the mainland.
Getting to Koh Tao from Koh Phangan is faster because these two islands are close to each other. Traveling to Koh Tao from Koh Samui takes a bit longer. But if you don’t plan to visit these islands, you can also travel to Koh Tao from Bangkok.
While you can book your ferry tickets directly at the ports, we recommend doing so online in advance. During high season ferries can get sold out quickly. We always use 12Go to book any tickets when traveling in Asia.
Book a ferry ticket using 12go.asia.
1. Tanote Bay
Entrance fee: free
Tanote Bay also known as Ao Tanot Bay amazed us the most. It certainly deserves a spot on the list of the best beaches on Koh Tao. This beach boasts clean and soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and world-class snorkeling opportunities. Coral reefs are teeming with marine life.
On one side of the beach, you can see massive boulders, while the other one is full of beautiful villas. The jungle surrounds it from the back. Access to the water is pleasant and gradual. As soon as you enter the water, you will be greeted by beautiful colorful corals and countless fish.
This beach is also among the top places for snorkeling on Koh Tao. As you explore the clear waters, you’ll be enchanted by the colorful parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and many more that live there. We were lucky and even saw a black-tip reef shark for a few seconds.
A few tens of meters from the shore you will see a boulder. Not only can you climb it, but it’s a perfect cliff-jumping spot, too! However, climbing the boulder might be scary. But there is a rope attached to the boulder which will help you.
The drop from the boulder to the water is from 6 to 8 meters depending on where you stand. But the water is deep enough so you don’t have to worry about it since it’s safe. You certainly won’t hit a bottom or corals with your feet.
A simple bar on Tanote Beach sells water, snacks, as well as simple Thai food.
How to get to Tanote Bay
Tanote Bay is easily reached on a motorbike. The roads that lead here are wide and in good condition. So even less experienced drivers will manage to come here on a scooter. Parking is right next to the beach and is free.
Optionally, this place can also be visited by boat.
Save the location of Tanote Bay to your Google Maps.
Best hotels
Where to eat nearby
- Mountain Reef Resort Restaurant – situated on a hill, this place offer incredible views over the bay, tasty food, and good prices
- Sun Moon Thai Restaurant – all-you-can-eat buffet for 300 TBH, fresh every day, you can also get a cooking class here!
2. Freedom Beach
Entrance fee: 50 THB
This beach is much smaller compared to Tanote Beach. But that does not mean that it is any worse. Freedom Beach is located on private property so you will have to pay for entrance 50 THB.
If you are coming here on a scooter, expect that you will also pay about 50 THB for the parking fee. The entrance fee allows you to also visit a John Suwan Viewpoint, which is one of the top viewpoints on the entire island.
Moreover, we recommend visiting the viewpoint early in the morning around 7 am or for sunrise. You should be there alone or only with a few people. After spending some quality time at the viewpoint you can hike down to Freedom Beach.
From the parking lot, a short path leads down to the beach. You will get there in 2-3 minutes. On the beach, you will find many sunchairs. You can use them freely because they are already included in the price of entry. You can even move your sunchair to any place on the beach you like.
On Freedom Beach, there is plenty of space in the shade as well as in the sun. We recommend arriving early in the morning, so you can avoid the crowds, that start arriving around 9-10 am.
Unfortunately, Freedom Beach doesn’t offer as great snorkeling opportunities as Tanote Bay. Most of the corals are dead and bleached but you can still find a few living. If possible, avoid coming during low tide as the water will be very shallow and not easy to swim and snorkel in.
You will also find a restaurant with toilets on the beach. The restaurant offers traditional Thai dishes and several drinks to choose from. Unfortunately, showers are not available here.
How to get to Freedom Beach
Parking fee: 50 THB for motorbike
Freedom Beach can be reached easily on a motorbike. The roads are in good condition. I would say anyone can manage this ride. You can also try to hire a truck taxi if you can’t drive a motorbike.
Save the location of Freedom Beach to your Google Maps.
Best hotels
Where to eat
- Freedom Beach BAR – Directly on the beach. They offer both Thai and Western food. The prices are a bit higher but you can get lunch with a sea view.
3. Sairee Beach
Entrance fee: free
Sairee Beach is the most visited on the whole island and also the most popular among backpackers. It is not surprising since many of the accommodations, restaurants, bars, and many other amenities are located in the vicinity of the beach.
Even though many people come here every day the beach is not getting crowded at all because it’s quite wide.
Sairee Beach is also the largest on the island. It is an ideal place for enjoying a sunset, playing volleyball, or football with the locals, sunbathing, or sipping drinks.
Access to the water is pleasant and gradual. Unfortunately, this beach is not the best place for snorkeling and discovering underwater life.
But you can rent paddleboards there and actively relax on the water. Alternatively, you can take a trip to the not-so-distant island of Koh Nang Yuan.
Best hotels
Where to eat
- 995 Roasted Duck – This is by far the most visited restaurant close to Sairee Beach. It’s 5 minutes walk from the beach but it’s worth visiting. Try to come before 7 pm since you can wait in a queue. The offer several dishes made from duck. Taste is amazing and prices are affordable.
- Centrico Cafe and Mexican Restaurant – This restaurant has a special atmosphere. Great option if you want to try excellent Mexican food. You also get some vegan and vegetarian dishes to choose from.
- Portobello Restaurant – It’s just 2 minutes by walk from Sairee Beach and you can find some delicious Italian dishes here. We tried pizza and lasagna and both were delicious. Prices are a little bit higher but go for it if you want to treat yourself.
4. Sai Daeng Beach
Entrance fee: free
Sai Daeng Beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in Koh Tao. Therefore it is an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. The beach boasts clean white sand and in some parts, the sand is mixed with small pebbles.
This is an excellent place for discovering diverse marine life. It’s a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. The waters are clear, the coral reefs are vibrant, and you also find plenty of different fish.
There is a small diving center called CV Divers. They offer a PADI course and a more personalized and stress-free scuba and freediving experience, away from the crowds.
We enjoyed only snorkeling and it was a lot of fun underwater. Corals and fish are just 2 to 3 meters from the shore. Access to the water is a little bit difficult because of the corals and shallow water.
Be careful since you can cut your feet on sharp rocks or corals. Additionally, you might have the exciting opportunity to spot sea turtles in this area.
Several beachfront restaurants and bars serve delicious Thai cuisine, fresh seafood, and international dishes. Enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink while taking in the beautiful sea views.
How to get to Sai Daeng Beach
Parking fee: free
The best way to visit Sai Daeng Beach is by motorbike. The roads leading here are a bit narrow and steep, but manageable. You can park just a couple of meters from the beach. You can also take a taxi for around 550 THB.
Save the location of Sai Daeng Beach to your Google Maps.
Best hotels
Where to eat
- Coral View Dive Resort – It’s a hotel with a restaurant. In fact, it’s the only place where you can get something to eat or drink nearby.
5. Shark Bay (Ao Thian Og)
Entrance fee: 100 TBH
Shark Bay also known as Thian Og Bay is definitely one of Koh Tao’s best beaches. It features a stunning white sand beach lined up with palm trees. In addition, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation and soaking up the tropical vibes that Koh Tao offers.
It’s known for its clear waters, vibrant marine life, and especially black-tip reef sharks. These sharks are harmless and you have a big chance to see them.
Not many corals are colorful. Lots of them are bleached or dead. But you can see beautiful turtles and many different fish in the water.
Unfortunately we were not lucky during our visit. We came unprepared and we didn’t really enjoy snorkeling at Shark Bay. The main reason was a low tide. The water was too shallow.
So if you want to visit this beach, you should definitely come during high tide. The water level will be high enough for you to swim around corals, reef sharks, and other beautiful fish that may appear.
Another option is to join the snorkeling tour by Oxygen, one of the most reputable companies on the island. You can explore Shark Bay and other beautiful beaches on a boat trip.
Several hotels and accommodation options can be found around Shark Bay. You can choose from budget-friendly hotels and luxury hotels as well.
If you are craving some refreshing drink, you can head to Shark View Bar which is on the side of the beach overlooking the whole bay. The bar is hidden but not too hard to find. Additionally, the owner is friendly and the cocktails will leave you in awe.
How to get to Shark Bay
Parking fee: free
Getting to Shark Bay beach might be a little bit tricky.
You can reach this spot on a motorbike. The road is narrow and steep in some parts. But since it’s in good condition, driving here is not hard. If you come on a motorbike you have to leave it at a parking in front of an abandoned building, somewhere around this area.
Another way to get to Shark Bay is to hire a taxi. The cost for a ride is around 440 THB from Mae Haad Pier. You might get a cheaper price if you are a group of people but I would not count on it.
From the parking or the road follow the narrow path that goes through a resort. This path looked strange to us at first, but in the end, we reached the beach.
Save the location of Shark Bay to your Google Maps.
Best hotels
Where to eat
- Roccy Restaurant – Thai food that can be enjoyed on a terrace overlooking Shark Bay. The views are great, however, some people didn’t have a good experience here. We haven’t tried the place personally, so we can’t comment on this one.
- Shark View Bar – A unique place you certainly shouldn’t skip. While you can’t get food here, stopping for a cocktail or two is worth it. The views are incredible and the owner is friendly.
6. Koh Nang Yuan
Entrance fee: 50 TBH
Koh Nang Yuan is actually a group of three small islands located very close to Koh Tao. The islands are connected by a beautiful sandbar which looks like a heaven.
It is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities, offering vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life such as titan triggerfish and parrotfish. Apart from snorkeling, Koh Nang Yuan is excellent for relaxation and diving.
Explore Japanese Gardens that can be found off the Koh Nang Yuan coast. It’s one of the most diverse snorkeling spots in the whole of Thailand!
The beach amenities include a restaurant, toilets, and a kiosk for snacks. You can also find snorkeling gear rental, along with options for sunbeds and umbrellas.
Don’t forget to hike to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint which will reward you with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters and coral reefs. We recommend doing this hike early in the morning in order to avoid the crowds.
How to get to Koh Nang Yuan
The island is easily accessible by a short boat ride from Koh Tao. Many tour operators offer day trips to the beach, departing from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao.
Another option is to rent a SUP at Sairee Beach and reach Koh Nang Yuan Beach on a SUP (Paddleboard). We recommend SUP Tao which offers the best quality boards on the island.
Please don’t even try to swim to the beach from Koh Tao. Even though it looks super close, the currents between these two locations are extremely strong and it’s very dangerous.
TIP: Join the Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and also explore other hidden bays of Koh Tao on the boat.
Best hotels
Nangyuan Island Dive Resort – A unique and secluded experience on Koh Tao. You have excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities as well as beautiful rooms. Additionally, you can enjoy the sunset without any crowds. However, note that access to the island is limited. The boats are not allowed to come here when it gets dark, which makes it hard to find a taxi after 5 pm. Since there’s nothing to do in the evening, it’s a place to go if you want to be in peace.
7. Chalok Baan Kao Bay
Entrance fee: free
Chalok Baan Kao Beach offers perfect tropical paradise vibes. The beach is dotted with several beach bars, bean bags, and restaurants. It’s also quite wide, providing enough space for many people. It’s lined up with palm trees from one end to another.
As you probably may know, Koh Tao is a paradise for snorkeling and diving. Chalok Baan Kao Bay is not an exception. Try to come during high tide, since the low tide brings shallow water. Because of this, it will be difficult for you to swim and enjoy snorkeling.
For those looking to explore the coast further, heading east along the beach leads to nearby attractions such as Freedom Beach, the John Suwan Viewpoint, and Shark Bay.
How to get to Chalok Ban Kao
Parking fee: free
Chalok Baan Kao is easily accessible by motorbike or taxi. You can park almost directly on the beach and you don’t even have to pay for entrance and parking fees.
Where to eat
- Juicy on the beach– Nice restaurant with a bar overlooking the bay. The food and drinks are not the cheapest but very tasty. They offer traditional Thai food and Western food as well. If you crave burgers this is the right place.
- Asia Mood, Sushi bar and restaurant – If you’ve lost your taste for Thai food or Western food, this restaurant will pleasantly surprise you. You can enjoy Japanese and Korean specialties here. The prices are higher, but you will definitely like the food.
Best hotels
8. Ao Leuk Beach
Entrance fee: 100 TBH
Ao Leuk Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on Koh Tao. It is located between Shark Bay and Tanote Bay.
If you want to stay on the beach, you must pay an entrance fee because the bay is a part of a resort. But paying 100 THB for a whole day is nothing compared to the beauty you will see.
Ao Luek is a beautiful clean beach with white sand, a clear water and you won’t find any sharp rocks at the bottom of the sea but many corals and fish. Everyone comes here because of the great snorkeling and diving opportunities.
The best snorkeling is on the right or left side along the rocks. As you get further from the beach, the water gets deeper.
At Ao Leuk, you can see parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, and pufferfish. Sea turtles are also often found in this area.
Additionally, if you are lucky you can also spot black-tip reef sharks. They use this bay as a nursery, so it’s common to meet baby sharks here. In order to increase your chances of meeting one, try not to move around much.
If you want to stay at Ao Leuk Beach you have two hotels to choose from. In one of them, you can also enjoy lunch or dinner. Sunbeds are also available at the beach for a fee.
How to get to Ao Leuk
Parking fee: free
Ao Leuk Beach is easily reached on a scooter. The ride from Sairee Beach takes around 15 minutes. Some sections are a bit steeper, but it’s nothing to worry about. Another way is to take a taxi which costs around 440 THB.
In addition, Ao Leuk is a stop on almost every snorkeling tour.
Save the location of Ao Leuk to your Google Maps.
Best hotels
Where to eat
- Aow Leuk Grand Hill – A resort with a restaurant, where you can get Thai food. They also offer sunbeds for a fee.
- Tree House Cafe – Not directly on the beach, but worth a stop on the way back. Tree House is a place with amazing food, huge portions, and moreover, with incredible atmosphere.
9. June Juea Beach
Entrance fee: free
June Juea Beach is also one of the best beaches in Koh Tao. It’s a small, secluded, and less-known beach compared to other bigger beaches on the island. But the small size adds to its charm.
The beach is surrounded by swaying palm trees and lush green trees and bushes. The waters at June Juea Beach are good for snorkeling, but not the best. Unfortunately, many corals were dead during our visit. But there are still many fish to be spotted.
As I mentioned before, we came to Shark Bay during low tide and it wasn’t a very smart decision. And yes, we did it again at this beach. Please don’t make the same mistake as we did. Swimming around corals during low tide is difficult and dangerous too.
Plan your trip to June Juea Beach during high tide so you can fully enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Since this beach is less known don’t expect many people.
When it comes to beach facilities, there is just one restaurant. They offer snorkeling gear and kayak rental. There are a few resorts and bungalows near June Juea Beach if you would like to stay in this area.
How to get to June Juea Beach
Parking fee: free
The best way to visit June Juea Beach is by motorbike. The roads leading here are a bit narrow and steep, but manageable. We got lost once since the navigation wasn’t easy to follow. But after asking the locals where we should go, everything was fine.
Parking can be found 1-2 minutes from the beach. You don’t have to pay for it.
Save the location of June Juea Beach to your Google Maps.
Remember that some roads are quite steep and narrow since Koh Tao is a hilly island. Some sections are not suitable for inexperienced drivers riding a motorbike for the first time in their lives.
Best hotels
Where to eat
- Sunset Restaurant – Family-run restaurant with authentic Thai food. Ideal spot for dinner and watching the sunset. Only restaurant close to beach.
Best snorkeling tours on Koh Tao
- Tour by Oxygen – Oxygen is the most popular company organizing morning and afternoon snorkeling tours each day. A simple Thai lunch is included together with cofee, tea and snakcs. Their guides are professional and ethusiastic about what they do.
- Insea Speedboat – A perfect day trip from Koh Samui. You will visit Koh Nang Yuan, the bays of Koh Tao, and even Koh Phangan. Expect a longer travel time though.
- Wooden Vintage Boat – Expect a friendly crew and professional services. This tour departs later (10 am) than the Oxygen (9 am). Otherwise, it’s very similar.
Best time to visit Koh Tao
Dry season: December – April
Rainy season: October – December
Koh Tao has its dry season between December and April, together with the rest of Thailand. The weather is mostly sunny with almost no rain. However, since December is on the border between monsoon and dry season, you might still experience rainy evenings.
The period between February and May is known as a hot and dry season. April is usually the hottest month. Koh Tao is a relatively humid island, with around 80% humidity. Keep this in mind and stay hydrated throughout the day. The water visibility is the best in this season.
While the west coast of Thailand is hit by southwest monsoon between May and October, Koh Tao is not very affected by this. The weather is mostly dry and windy. Therefore, the sea is not as calm anymore. But you can already expect some rainfall, mostly during late afternoons and nights.
The rainy season in Koh Tao usually starts late in October and lasts until December. November is experiencing the heaviest rains. If the monsoons arrive later, the rainy season may last longer.
Final thoughts on the Best Beaches of Koh Tao
Despite being such a small island, Koh Tao is home to a number of incredible beaches. Whether you are looking for a vibrant snorkeling spots or small secluded beaches, Koh Tao has it all.
Even after spending a few days here we were not able to visit all the beaches the island has to offer. But from those we visited, Tanote Bay was our personal favorite.
We hope you find this guide helpful and enjoy your stay on Koh Tao!
