Koh Tao may be a small island, but there’s a surprising amount to see and do. It’s compact enough to explore by scooter, yet full of beaches, viewpoints, and underwater adventures that make it easy to stay busy — or do nothing at all.
We think this island deserves a spot on every Thailand itinerary. There’s enough to do here that you could easily spend a whole week just soaking it in.
But if it’s your first time in Thailand, you might also want to split your time between other islands like Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.
Some of our favorite experiences? Discovering all the best beaches by scooter, snorkeling with colorful fish and corals, and catching those incredible sunsets that the island is known for.
Unfortunately, our own visit didn’t go quite as planned — we caught dengue fever on Koh Phangan a few days before arriving, which left us with low energy and limited time to explore.
But honestly, we still managed to see almost all the places we wanted to.
How to get to Koh Tao
From Bangkok
When traveling from Bangkok to Koh Tao, you have a few different options. Firstly, you can take a night train and book a bus + ferry ticket from Chumphon Railway Station to Koh Tao. Alternatively, you can take the same route by purchasing a combined bus and ferry transfer with Lomprayah.
It’s also possible to fly either to Koh Samui, Surat Thani, or Chumphon. From the airports, you’ll have to get to a port and travel by boat.
From Surat Thani
The only reasonable way to get to here from Surat Thani is to take a ferry. You can choose from a few different departure spots and travel either by day ferry or night ferry. Additionally, you can travel by a speedboat, ferry, or catamaran.
From Phuket
You can travel from Phuket by bus or van and then travel by ferry. This trip takes between 8 and 10 hours and costs around 2000 THB. You can choose from a few different pick-up points around Phuket.
Additionally, you can fly from Phuket to Surat Thani or Koh Samui, and take a ferry from there.
From Krabi
This trip is possible by taking a bus or a van from Krabi and then taking a boat. It’s not such a long journey, and it only takes around 5 hours. The prices start from 1300 THB.
Another option is to fly to either Surat Thani or Koh Samui. However, since this would take more time than the bus and cost more, we don’t think it’s a convenient choice.
We also wrote a guide on getting to Koh Tao from different destinations around Thailand.
From Koh Samui
The only way to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is by boat. With multiple connections scheduled daily, it’s easy to organize this trip. You can also choose one of four different departure piers on Koh Samui.
From Koh Phangan
All the ferries from Koh Phangan depart from Thong Sala. With a few daily connections, there’s nothing to worry about. However, when traveling after or before the Full Moon Party, make sure to book your tickets at least a week in advance!
When traveling around Asia, we personally use 12Go to book our tickets 90% of time. They’re reliable and have good customer support. Also, it’s the easiest way to book tickets online.
Why You Should Visit Koh Tao
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, Koh Tao is one island you shouldn’t overlook. It may be small, but it packs in more than you’d expect — crystal-clear water, jungle-covered hills, epic snorkeling, and some of the best sunsets we saw in the country.
This quickly became a favorite for us, not just because of the beaches and underwater life, but because of the overall vibe. It’s more laid-back than Koh Samui, less wild than Koh Phangan, and just the right size to explore by scooter without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re here to dive, snorkel, hike to scenic viewpoints, or relax with a Thai massage after a beach day, it gives you the freedom to do as much or as little as you want.
And despite its popularity, it still feels personal. With a bit of exploring, you’ll find quiet corners, local food spots, and lesser-known beaches that feel like your own little discovery.
11 Best things to do on Koh Tao
1. Explore the beaches
Being on a tropical island means one thing: beach time is non-negotiable. And Koh Tao doesn’t disappoint — it’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches we saw in Thailand, each with its own vibe.
Sairee Beach
We stayed near Sairee Beach, the island’s most popular stretch of sand. It’s busy, full of energy, and lined with beach bars, dive shops, and cafés.
It’s perfect for lazy sunsets and social evenings, but honestly, it felt a little too built-up for our taste. We enjoyed it for what it was, but it wasn’t the kind of beach we came to to this island for.
So we hopped on our scooter and started exploring. That’s when things got a lot more interesting.
Did you know all the islands in the Gulf of Thailand experience only two tides a day? That’s why some months are known as the high tide season when high tide is stronger and usually lasts for a time during the day. In the low-tide season, it’s the other way around.
Tanote Bay
If I could only recommend one beach on Koh Tao, it’d be Tanote Bay. It looks like something straight off a postcard: clean, quiet, and just the right size — not too small, not too big.
The sand is soft, the water is insanely clear, and the snorkeling? Easily the best we found on the island. Within a few seconds of getting in the water, we were swimming with schools of colorful fish and spotting coral right off the shore.
Sai Nuan Beach
Sai Nuan Beach was another gem. The road was a bit bumpy, but we were rewarded — calm turquoise water, barely anyone around, and just a handful of hammocks strung between palm trees. This quickly became one of our favorites.
Jansom Bay
We also made it to Jansom Bay, which had some of the clearest water we’d seen so far, plus amazing snorkeling right off the beach.
Sai Daeng Beach
Another highlight was Sai Daeng Beach, where we spent the better part of an afternoon doing nothing but swimming, reading, snorkeling, and staring at the ocean.
We also recommend visiting Freedom Beach, Haad June Juea, and Hin Wong Bay.
You can rent a motorbike on Koh Tao from 200 THB per day. Snorkeling gear is also available on many beaches and near Sairee Beach.
2. Visit different snorkeling spots
This island is often called a snorkeler’s paradise — and after swimming here ourselves, we get why. The amount of underwater life just offshore is unreal. We were constantly amazed by how much we could see without even going deep.
Think angelfish, parrotfish, black-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, yellow-tail barracuda — all swirling through coral reefs in water so clear it barely feels real.
To explore all the best snorkeling spots on Koh Tao on your own, rent a scooter. From Sairee Beach, you can reach several amazing snorkeling spots within a 5–10 minute ride.
Tanote Bay quickly became a favorite for us, but we also recommend Aow Leuk, Shark Bay, and Sai Daeng Beach — all easy to access and full of marine life just a few steps from the sand.
That said, some of the island’s best snorkeling bays can’t be reached by land. If you want a more private experience, consider renting a longtail boat for the day. It usually costs around 2000 THB total, and since the boat fits up to 10 people, it’s easy to find others to split the cost with if you’re not traveling in a group.
But the best option to visit unreachable spots without any hassle is to join a snorkeling tour. The most reputable company on the island is Oxygen. We highly recommend this experience during your Koh Tao trip.
You’ll visit Koh Nang Yuan, Japanese Gardens, Mango Bay, and a few other spots. Thai lunch is also included in the price. You can also choose a morning or an afternoon departure, making it perfect for those who aren’t early birds.
Join Oxygen Tour and explore all the best snorkeling spots around Koh Tao by boat.
3. Hike John Suwan Viewpoint and relax on Freedom Beach
Entrance fee: 50 THB
Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm
Hiking to John Suwan Viewpoint was easily one of our favorite things we did. The trail may be short, but the views at the top completely make it worth it.
We recommend going early in the morning — not just to beat the heat, but also to enjoy the peacefulness before others arrive. The hike takes around 15 minutes, but don’t underestimate it.
It’s a bit of a scramble in parts, with steep rocks and a few ropes to help you up. Definitely skip the flip-flops — sturdy sandals or trainers will make it way more enjoyable.
Once you reach the top, it all clicks. On your left, you’ll see Shark Bay; on your right, Chalok Ban Kao. If I could only recommend one viewpoint on the island, it’d be this.
After soaking up the views from the top, it’s time to cool off, and Freedom Beach is the perfect spot. The entrance fee for John Suwan Viewpoint also gives you access to the beach, and it’s just a short walk downhill.
We loved that this beach had plenty of natural shade thanks to the trees, plus a few free sun loungers you can use — a rarity on Thai beaches these days.
Freedom Beach is best during high tide, when the water is deeper and the rocks and coral are less exposed. It’s a great place for a swim and a bit of lounging under the trees. At low tide, you can still go for a dip, but the water gets shallow quickly and the snorkeling isn’t ideal.
Our THAILAND locations in your Google Maps
Includes 167 pins on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, & Koh Tao:
🐠 Best beaches and snorkeling spots
👀 Viewpoints, Sunset Points
☕️Cafes & restaurants
🍹Bars, nightlife
🏨 Recommended Hotels
⛴️ Important transport points
⭐️ Lifelong updates
See more4. Take a boat trip to Koh Nang Yuan Island
Price: around 400 THB one way boat, 100 THB entrance fee
Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm
Koh Nang Yuan is a small island just a few hundred meters off the coast, and visiting it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
You’ll need to get there by boat — either by boat taxi from Sairee Beach or as part of a snorkeling tour. The ride is short and easy, and the view of the island as you approach is already impressive.
Once you arrive, the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint is the first thing to visit. The hike is short but steep, and even early in the day, it was hot — but the view from the top was 100% worth the sweat.
You get a perfect look at the famous sandbar connecting the three tiny islands, with turquoise water stretching out on both sides.
After cooling off, we grabbed our snorkel gear and headed into the water. Koh Nang Yuan is home to the Japanese Gardens, one of the best snorkeling spots around Koh Tao.
The water was crystal clear, and we saw tons of colorful fish right near the shore. We didn’t have to swim far at all to spot coral, parrotfish, and even a few curious angelfish.
If you’ve got limited time on Koh Tao, this is one of those spots you don’t want to miss — just try to come early to beat the crowds.
Join a tour to explore Koh Nang Yuan as well as all the other amazing snorkeling spots around the island.
5. Visit different viewpoints
We’ve already mentioned two of our favorite viewpoints, Koh Nang Yuan and John Suwan viewpoint. However, as a mountainous island, Koh Tao offers so many more incredible spots.
Some of the best viewpoints you shouldn’t skip include Love Koh Tao, which is perfect for a sunrise. The entrance fee is around 50 THB unless you buy drinks or food. The next one is Mango View, which charges 100 THB. While you can get here by motorbike, it’s a bit challenging.
Then there’s Grape Viewpoint, where you can also get there by a motorbike. The road is steep and challenging, though. The entrance fee is 100 THB. You’ll find food and drinks at the top.
Additionally, some viewpoints require hiking. Firstly, there’s Tanote Peak, which charges 100 THB, and the hike takes 30 minutes. The next one is a more challenging 30 – 40 minute hike to West Coast Viewpoint.
And lastly, there’s Deisha Viewpoint, which is also a bar and a restaurant with delicious food. Walk 50 meters further, and you’ll reach a rock that offers beautiful views of Chalok Ban Kao Bay.
If you don’t want to drive a motorbike you can have a private land tour, which takes you to 8 famous places.
6. Enjoy sunsets on a beach and watch fire show
When we traveled around Asia, we made it a habit to head out to a beach and watch sunset almost every day. And I have to say; nothing compares to sunsets by the sea. The colors of the sky are just so incredible!
So after a day full of exploring all the different places and things to do on Koh Tao, enjoy a wonderful sunset on a beach with a bottle of Chang. There’s no better way to end a day. Sairee Beach is a very popular sunset spot, with many people enjoying the last rays of the sun.
Thailand’s fire shows will never cease to fascinate me. They’re often packed with actions and mind-blowing acrobatic creations. Even on Koh Tao, you can head to Sairee Beach and watch a fire show almost every night.
I’m not sure if there are any other places on the island where you can watch a fire show apart from Lotus Bar. The show usually starts at 7 pm. It’s also a great spot to grab a drink, chat with fellow tourists, and have a night out.
7. Join pub crawl and meet new people
A highly popular activity, especially among backpackers. There’s one major pub crawl that takes place four days a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. It begins at 6 pm at Choppers Sports Bar.
The entrance fee includes a t-shirt, one bucket, and possibly some shots. If you want to learn more about this event, check their Facebook page.
8. Party till the morning
Apart from joining the pub crawl, you’ll have plenty of other party opportunities, from party hostels to beach and jungle parties. You can choose one of many bars to go crazy – the above-mentioned Lotus Bar, FishBowl, The Local, and Leo Evolution are the most popular ones.
Additionally, there are a few party events, such as Koh Tao Pub Crawl, Secret Party, Escobar, and Real Moon Party. If you want to learn more about nightlife on Koh Tao, read this post by Island Travel Koh Tao.
9. Get PADI certified
Did you know that Koh Tao is considered one of the best places on Earth to get PADI certified? It’s for a few reasons. The most important one is the low prices. You can get the PADI Open Water Course for as low as 280€. That’s a price you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Another reason is that it’s available all year around, with pleasant temperatures and calm waters. Also, you’ll find more than 25 dive sites around the island.
The best season for diving lasts from March to September, when there’s less rain. This results in crystal clear waters and great visibility.
Between November and January, bigger waves and stronger winds are common. But thanks to the location of Koh Tao, there are still many dive sites that offer calm waters even during this time. You can’t travel too far to more distant locations.
Lastly, the availability of dive centers is just incredible! Everywhere you go, you’ll find some dive schools.
Book your PADI course today with some of the best-reviewed dive schools on the island – La Bombona, Koh Tao Scuba Club, or Scuba Birds.
10. Get a Thai massage
You really can’t leave Thailand without getting a proper Thai massage — it’s one of the things we loved most about this country. The massage centers are everywhere, and the prices are incredibly low compared to what you’d pay in Europe.
This place is no exception. There are plenty of places to choose from, ranging from simple beachside huts to more spa-like settings. Most massages cost around 10–15€, though you’ll find both cheaper and more premium options depending on where you go.
Before booking, it’s worth checking Google Reviews — the quality can vary a lot, even if the price doesn’t. We always checked the reviews, and it was worth the little time.
Some of the places we tried and genuinely liked were Massage Station and Kinnaree Massage near Mae Haad pier.
Both felt clean, professional, and surprisingly relaxing for the price. If you’re staying closer to Sairee Beach, check out Watergate Spa & Massage — it’s right on the beach, and the setting alone makes it extra relaxing.
11. Try Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Lastly, one of the activities we also recommend trying is Stand Up Paddleboarding. When exploring all the different beaches, you’ll notice there are often SUP and kayak rentals. It’s a perfect way to discover hidden spots near the beach.
Don’t forget to take a waterproof bag with you. Make sure to have some water and of course snorkeling gear! We recommend renting a board from SUP TAO. They’re actually the first shop on the island to start offering this service, and to this day they rent some of the best quality boards.
Where to stay on Koh Tao
The most popular area to stay is around Sairee Beach. You’ll find most restaurants around. However, this area is also a bit too loud, both during the day and night. If you’re coming to Koh Tao to relax, stay near one of many beaches.
We wrote a complete guide describing where to stay on Koh Tao, including the best areas as well as hotels and hostels for every budget.
Best hotels on Koh Tao
Check availability
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.
Best Restaurants around Koh Tao
- Mama Piyawan’s – If you’re looking for authentic Thai food, this is your go-to place. We recommend Pad Thai and Massaman.
- Thaita Italian Restaurant – The best Italian restaurant on the island, which indredible pizza and pasta.
- 995 Roasted Duck – While they serve other meals, too, you MUST try their duck at least once.
- Factory Cafe – Excellent place to get western style breakfast or an afternoon cup of coffee.
Best guided tours on Koh Tao
- Snorkel tour by Oxygen – Visit Nangyuan Island, Japanese Gardens, Mango Bay, Ao Leuk, and Hin Wong Bay. You can enjoy snorkeling at every stop. The underwater life is just incredible and this tour will be one of the highlights of your whole Thailand trip!
- Scuba diving experience – Ever tried scuba diving? How about taking your first lesson in one of the best places to get PADI in the whole world? Koh Tao is known for its lively underwater life and the best way to explore it is scuba diving!
- Daytrip by speedboat – This tour has the same itinerary as the first one by Oxygen. The only difference is, that here you can also go kayaking.
Final thoughts on Best things to do on Koh Tao
Even though it is a small island, it offers an impressive variety of things to do and places to explore. While you can cover the main highlights in about three days, we definitely recommend staying longer if you can — spending a full week here gives you time to slow down and soak it all in.
From riding a scooter around the island and hiking to epic viewpoints, to relaxing on postcard-perfect beaches and discovering some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, Koh Tao does have something for everyone.
