If you’re looking for an easy-access, picture-perfect spot to swim & snorkel on Koh Tao, Aow Leuk Beach should be at the top of your list.
Known for its clear, shallow waters and thriving coral reefs, Aow Leuk is one of the best beaches on the island for swimming and snorkeling right off the shore, especially when it’s windy in Sairee or Mae Haad.
With its soft, white sand, gently sloping bay, and resident baby reef sharks cruising by, this beach is ideal for a quick adventure trip to catch some rays or snorkel with the healthy marine life. This guide will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Overview: Aow Leuk Beach
Aow Leuk Beach is one of the cleanest, sheltered bay on Koh Tao’s eastern coast. It's much more laid back than Sairee but not as quiet as it once was and now has a few accommodations, with Aow Leuk Grand Hill being the best, followed by Chabalay Resort.
Here's what you need to know:
- Location: East side of Koh Tao, on the road to Tanote Bay
- Access: Well-maintained concrete road with parking available at the end. Or via the Koh Tao snorkeling trip daily.
- Distance from Sairee: 15-20 minute motorbike ride
- Great for: Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, beginner-friendly waters
- Facilities: Beachfront restaurants, snorkel rental, and restrooms
- Entry Fee: 100 THB per person
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings for the calmest water and fewer crowds
How to Get to Aow Leuk Beach
While some snorkeling tours stop at Aow Leuk, the best way to reach the beach is by renting a motorbike (around 250-300 THB per day) in Sairee or Mae Haad or taking a taxi. Renting a motorbike is ideal if you’re comfortable driving on Koh Tao’s roads, as it allows you to explore other nearby beaches as well.
To get there, start in Sairee and head south on the main road toward Chalok.
Before reaching Chalok, look for the road leading to Koh Tao Animal Clinic and turn left onto the road that passes Blacktip Cafe & Cowork further up.
Continue along this road until you reach a fork just past a gas station. Instead of veering left toward Tanote Bay, keep almost straight and follow the sign for Aow Leuk Beach.
The road here is well-paved, concrete, and not too steep by Koh Tao standards. Soon after the turn, you'll arrive at a fork in the road. You'll want to continue right here, which leads you down to the beach.
As you approach the beach, you’ll pass through a cleared palm tree area near Aow Leuk Grand Hill. Here, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee of 100 THB per person, which gives you full access to the beach.
After parking your bike, you’re just steps away from the beautiful sands and clear waters of Aow Leuk Beach.
What to Expect at Aow Leuk Beach
Aow Leuk Beach is a wide stretch of soft, white sand mixed with crushed coral. The edges of this deep bay is lined by large boulders dropping down from dense jungle. It's a very scenic beach and contrasts beautifully with the clear, blue waters.
There are a few beach chairs from the resort you can grab.
Over the years, a few beachfront restaurants and villas have popped up, and while it’s more accessible now, it’s still not overly crowded. In the past, it was known for being quiet but a bit untidy. Thanks to the nearby resorts maintaining it, the beach is now clean and well-kept.
There’s plenty of space to drop a towel and relax beneath a palm tree, with beautiful views of the clear bay in front of you.
Snorkeling is the real highlight here for me. The waters are shallow and clear as you enter, with vibrant coral reefs just off the shore where you’ll find plenty of fish and maybe even a few baby sharks.
Snorkeling at Aow Leuk Bay
Aow Leuk Bay is one of my favorite snorkeling spots on Koh Tao. While the coral is a bit bleached closer to shore, as the water drops in depth a bit further out it comes to life.
After exploring the area my recommendation for snorkeling is just north of the bay, following the rocky boulder coast up towards Moondance Magic. The water depth is shallow near the boulders but drops a fair bit on this section of the coast as you swim further out. Here I've spotted plenty of healthy marine life, a few baby sharks, and even some passing turtles every now and then.
Where to Go After Visiting Aow Leuk Bay
After enjoying Aow Leuk, head back up the road to explore Lang Khai Bay. This quiet, rocky bay is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds, and it’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling.
But if you’re looking for more excitement, my top pick on this side of the island is Tanote Bay. It’s got a big jump rock right in the middle of the bay—perfect for cliff jumping. Also, the snorkeling here is even better than at Aow Leuk, with equally easy access and no entrance fee.
Tip: If the wind is blowing from the west, I recommend visiting Sai Nuan Beach, Tha Thong, or Chalok instead.
Can You Stay at Aow Leuk?
Yes, you can stay right at Aow Leuk Bay, making it a quieter alternative to the busier areas like Sairee. It’s an excellent choice for families or anyone looking for a more relaxed base on Koh Tao.
There are two main options here: Aow Leuk Grand Hill and Chabalay Resort. While they may not be the most luxurious resorts on the island, both offer comfortable stays and direct beach access with a great view of the bay.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique nearby, Moondance Magic View is a fantastic option. It’s known for its cliffside location with epic views, a laid-back vibe, and is a prime spot for freediving. Moondance is a very relaxed, laidback choice that gives you access to this quieter side of the island while keeping you close to Aow Leuk.
Alternative Accommodations on Koh Tao
If you're wondering where to stay on Koh Tao Island and you want to be close to the main activities and beaches, pick a stay near Sairee Beach.
However, other great options include Mae Haad, or for a more secluded vibe, check out the southern beaches or even the east coast around Tanote Bay. Below are my top picks.
1. Jamahkiri Resort & Spa Luxury
A great bang-for-buck luxury dive resort at the beachfront of Shark Bay in a quiet and secluded location away from the hustle and bustle.
2. Phandara Pool Villas Mid-Range
A luxury villa option for those who want their own kitchen & pool. Located on the hill up to Wooden Rock Viewpoint.
3. Summer Guesthouse Budget
Located within walking distance of the dive shops and pub crawls on Sairee Beach, this is the top-budget hostel option with a great vibe.
And that's a wrap for my short travel guide to visiting Aow Leuk Beach on Koh Tao.
Check out my guide to the best things to do on Koh Tao for unique adventures and hidden gems you won’t want to miss! Oh and if you haven't made it to the island yet, here are some tips on getting to Koh Tao easily and affordably.