Here’s a quick guide to finding the best white sand and secluded beaches on the incredible Koh Tao Island in Thailand.
You might be surprised to know that Koh Tao boasts some of Thailand’s most magnificent beaches!
The beaches on Koh Tao range from secluded white sand beaches that you’ll have all to yourself to long-stretched beaches boasting bars and restaurants. Some beaches also boast incredible cliff-jumping locations such as my favorite spot, Tanote Bay which is a must-visit.
Whether you’re looking for a great
Koh Tao Beach Map
I’ve spent several months living on Koh Tao over multiple visits, completing my Dive Master and exploring every corner of the island. Along the way, I’ve discovered some amazing beaches—each with its own unique vibe.
To make things easier for you, I’ve created this map to help you find all the best spots to visit yourself. Beach hopping is definitely one of the best things to do on Koh Tao!
13 Best Beaches on Koh Tao
1. Koh Nang Yuan
- Best for: Iconic sandbar views, white sand, and crystal-clear waters.
- How to get to Koh Nang Yuan: Take a boat trip from Sairee Beach, or join a day tour from Koh Tao.
The small double-headed island of Koh Nang Yuan is easy to get to from Koh Tao– it is just 800 meters from Koh Tao, just off the northwest coast of the island.
This is one of the most famous and recognizable photo spots in the Gulf of Thailand, with an awesome viewpoint looking over a skinny stretch of white sand connecting the two island heads. This is a must-visit location if you're visiting Koh Tao as it offers great snorkeling, diving, and crystal-clear waters to relax in.
The main beach is an isthmus connecting three jungled land masses and you can snorkel and swim in crystal clear waters. To get here, you can take a longtail from Sairee for 300 THB return or jump on the Nang Yuan day trip from Sairee Beach, since you need a boat to get here.
2. Shark Bay (Haad Thien Beach)
- Best for: Secluded white sand and early-morning swims with reef sharks.
- How to get there: Drive to "On The Rock Beach" and walk down the cliffside ramp to the water.
Shark Bay is located on the southern side of Koh Tao. This beach is famous for its snorkeling and the Black Tip Reef Sharks that frequent the shallows in the early mornings. If you're looking to swim with the sharks I suggest arriving at sunrise, check out the post linked above detailing how and when you will need to visit this beach.
The actual beach (Haad Thien Beach) is privately owned by the resort. You can either drive to the resort and pay for entry or simply enter the bay from the new reggae bar. This new route to access the beach is pinned as "On The Rock Beach (free of charge)" and as the name suggests, there's no entrance fee, just walk down the cliff-side ramp until you reach the water.
Once you are at the beach, you'll find a small access point to go swimming or snorkeling. There is also a bamboo walkway over the jagged rocks around the side of the bay. You can either chill out once you reach the smooth rocks and snorkel in the bay, or keep walking around for some small little cliff jump spots of 2 -3
3. Mango Bay
- Best for: Remote adventure to a great snorkeling beach with healthy coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
- How to get there: Access via longtail boat or motorbike over Koh Tao's tallest mountain (steep, adventurous ride) to Mango Bay Resort. Entrance fee: 100 THB.
Mango Bay is one of Koh Tao’s most secluded beaches, tucked away at the island's northernmost tip. Its pristine white sand, surrounded by lush jungle and turquoise water, offers a tranquil escape far from the bustling beaches of Sairee.
While the beach itself is small, it’s the clear, calm waters that steal the show, making this one of my favorite beaches on Koh Tao for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in a peaceful setting.
Getting to Mango Bay can be part of the adventure. You can either brave the steep, bumpy motorbike road (best for confident riders) or take a more straightforward route by hiring a longtail boat from Sairee. Once you arrive, the bay offers a quiet atmosphere, with a small resort cafe providing drinks and snacks for visitors.
Tip: Make sure you are confident on a motorbike if you plan to ride all the way to Mango Bay. Alternatively, this snorkeling boat trip usually stops at Mango Bay plus a few other highlights.
4. Lighthouse Bay (Gluay Teun Bay)
- Best for: Jungle hike, peaceful beach, and incredible snorkeling.
- How to get there: Accessible only by a long hike through Koh Tao’s lush jungle or on the Koh Tao snorkeling boat.
Reaching Lighthouse Bay is an adventure in itself. The hike winds through Koh Tao’s rugged jungle landscape, taking you to the remote northeastern corner of the island. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the old lighthouse, an old relic you can climb for panoramic views of the coastline and turquoise waters below.
The beach itself is a tiny stretch of sand nestled between large boulders dipping into some of the clearest waters on the island. Unfortunately, due to its isolation, debris such as fishing nets often washes ashore, as there’s no infrastructure to remove it.
While the beach is small, the real highlight of Lighthouse Bay is its snorkeling. The crystal-clear water is teeming with marine life, and the underwater boulders create an exciting landscape to explore if you're up for the adventure.
5. Sai Nuan Beach
- Best for: Quiet vibes, soft sand, and a laid-back local atmosphere.
- How to get there: A short motorbike ride south of Sairee and over to the western side of Koh Tao, followed by a short walk from the parking area.
Sai Nuan Beach is one of the best beaches on Koh Tao for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful, natural setting. This small curved beach is lined with soft white sand and a few swaying palm trees, creating the perfect rustic island vibe. Its quirky charm is enhanced by the Banana Rock Bar, a pirate-style shack great for sunset drinks or a quick snack away from the crowds.
The water is shallow and calm, making it easy to wade right in. Snorkelers can explore the big boulders in the bay or head north toward Sai Thong Beach for healthier reefs and better marine life. With no entrance fees and a budget-friendly, local feel, Sai Nuan Beach is a must-visit for anyone seeking a quieter Koh Tao beach experience.
6. Freedom Beach
- Best for: A quiet, sheltered cove with hammocks and turquoise waters.
- How to get there: Ride south past Shark Bay, park at the Freedom Beach car park, and walk down to the beach.
Freedom Beach is one of my favorite beaches on Koh Tao. This small, sheltered white-sand beach has epic turquoise water and a quiet surf ambiance without the waves. Some hammocks are hanging from the trees just behind the water's edge and is a great spot to read a book.
Freedom Beach is on the opposite side of Shark Bay and can be reached by riding about 3 minutes passed the turnoff to OK2 Bungalows all the way to the end of the road. There will be a short stretch of dirt road before reaching the car park for the Freedon Beach Resort. Keep walking down and you will see a sign to park your bike.
The owners of the small resort here do a pretty great job of keeping the beach clean but they will charge 100 THB for entry to the beach.
7. Taa Toh Lagoon Beach
- Best for: Secluded white sand beach with access to great snorkeling at Buddha Point.
- How to get there: Walk from Freedom Beach (100 THB entrance fee) to reach this quieter spot.
Freedom Beach used to be very quiet but has become quite popular now. As an alternative, check out Taa Toh Lagoon Beach, a small, peaceful cove surrounded by large boulders just around the corner. The soft white sand and calm waters make it a great spot to relax away from the crowds.
For confident swimmers, snorkeling at nearby Buddha Point is a must, with vibrant marine life and healthy corals waiting to be explored.
8. Tanote Bay
- Best for: Cliff jumping, snorkeling, and a scenic, laid-back beach vibe.
- How to get there: Drive along the scenic mountain road east of Chalok. The well-paved road leads straight to the bay.
Although Tanote Bay is on the other side of the Island from the hustle of Sairee, it is one of the most popular beaches on Koh Tao. This is largely due to the awesome snorkeling and cliff jumping.
To get to Tanote Bay from Sairee, head towards Cha Lok until you see a large sign for Tanote Bay on your left. You will pass the small and only animal clinic on the island and continue up and over the hill. Continue straight on this road until you reach the end, where you will see a small dirt road that continues to the beach.
This main road is one of the most scenic in Koh Tao, offering epic panoramic views. We found ourselves stopping multiple times along the road to check out the epic views of the island coast.
There is a large rock surfacing about 4 m out of the water at Tanote Bay. This rock has some of the best snorkeling out of the other beaches on Koh Tao. You can also climb to the top of the rock to jump off into the deep water below.
Tip: The road down to Tanote Bay is very steep so take your time and wear a helmet.
9. Aow Leuk Beach
- Best for: Swimming, sunbathing, and beginner-friendly snorkeling with baby reef sharks.
- How to get there: A short 15-20 minute motorbike ride from Sairee. Follow the road toward Tanote Bay, turning right at the fork for Aow Leuk. Entrance fee: 100 THB.
Aow Leuk Beach is one of Koh Tao’s most picturesque and accessible beaches, ideal for anyone seeking a laid-back day of swimming and snorkeling away from the bustle of Sairee.
With soft white sand and calm, shallow waters, it’s perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking to relax on a pristine beach. The bay is surrounded by boulders and lush jungle and is well-maintained with facilities like beachfront restaurants, snorkel rentals, and restrooms.
10. Hin Wong Bay
- Best for: Quiet, rocky beach with excellent snorkeling and fun swim-throughs.
- How to get there: Drive northeast from Sairee along the steep, winding road heading east. Park near the bay and walk down to the rocky shore.
Hin Wong Bay is another epic bay with a small rocky beach on Koh Tao. This spot is a little quieter than other beaches on Koh Tao, mainly due to the monster hill that you have to ride up to reach it.
To get to Hin Wong Bay, ride towards Smile Mart from the Sairee Beach main area. Keep riding along this main road, past Smile Mart, and up the hill. It is quite steep and you will most likely need at least a 110cc scooter to get up this one.
Once you've reached the top of the hill, you can check out the spectacular views of Sairee, before riding down the other side of the hill towards Hin Wong Bay.
Many people like to visit Hin Wong Bay for snorkeling or simply just relaxing on the rocky beach. Many dive boats moor here when the weather is rough on the Sairee, Western Side of Koh Tao.
11. Cha Lok Bay
- Best for: Relaxed swimming, beachside bars, and easy access to dive shops.
- How to get there: A 7-minute drive south from Mae Haad, past the Tanote Bay turnoff, with plenty of parking near Koh Tao Resort.
Cha Lok Bay is a large beach stretched by a long strip of white sand just a 7-minute drive from Mae Haad. There are a few boats moored up on this bay, but the water is clear and much better for swimming than the popular Sairee Beach.
This beach is fairly easy to find as many dive shops are scattered along the stretch of the beach. To get to Cha Lok Bay, head towards Cha Lok town and keep riding past the turnoff to Tanote Bay. Once you reach Koh Tao Resort, you can walk through the gaps in the many resorts and dive shops and onto the beach.
Although
12. Sairee Beach
- Best for: Sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying Koh Tao’s vibrant nightlife.
- How to get there: Located on Koh Tao’s west coast, Sairee Beach is the island’s main tourist hub and easy to reach from anywhere on the island.
Everyone heading to Koh Tao will end up at Sairee Beach at one point or another. Whether it's for the famous Koh Tao pub crawl, or looking for dive shops to organize a Padi certificate with, Sairee Beach is the main tourist area of Koh Tao.
It's not hard to miss this 1.8 km long beach, but I found the best spots were on the northern tip of the beach, away from the longtails and dive boats that are coming in and out of the bay.
While it’s not the best spot for snorkeling due to frequent boat traffic, the water is clean and perfect for a refreshing swim.
There are also some great bars along the stretch of the beach. I found Sairee to be a great choice for sunset, as you can watch the sun disappear behind the horizon.
Tip: Make sure to check out the fire throwers who perform nightly along the stretch of Sairee Beach.
13. Abandoned Resort Beach (Laem Thian Beach)
- Best for: Epic hike, seclusion, snorkeling and adventure.
- How to get there: Accessible only by hiking through jungle trails east of Sairee for about an hour.
The Abandoned Resort is one of my
After checking out the abandoned resort, you have the option of snorkeling in Laem Thain Bay, or cliff jumping on the other side of the bay where some tall rocks stick out of deep water.
Looking for Where to Stay 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.
FAQ About Koh Tao's Beaches
Do I need to pay to access the beaches on Koh Tao?
Most beaches on Koh Tao are free to access. However, some, like Shark Bay (Haad Thien Beach), may have an entry fee if you're accessing through a private resort. Always check the access points for signs for any fees before entering.
Can I snorkel at all of the beaches on Koh Tao?
Technically speaking yes, however, some beaches have boats moored or limited visibility so snorkeling would not be advised. The best snorkeling experiences are found at Koh Nang Yuan, Shark Bay, and Tanote Bay, where coral reefs and marine life are more abundant.
How do I get to Koh Nang Yuan?
Koh Nang Yuan is accessible via a short boat trip from Sairee Beach. You can join a day trip or hire a private longtail boat from Sairee Beach. Just make sure you're given a reasonable price.
Is it safe to swim with the sharks at Shark Bay?
Swimming with the blacktip reef sharks at Shark Bay is considered safe, especially since these sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans. However, always maintain a respectful distance to protect both yourself and the marine life, and NEVER touch the sharks.
What is the best time to visit Koh Tao for beach activities?
The best time to visit Koh Tao is from March to October when the weather is sunny with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities such as snorkeling and diving.
Can I rent a scooter to explore the beaches?
Yes, renting a scooter is the most popular way to explore Koh Tao's beaches at your own pace. Ensure you're comfortable riding on steep and sometimes rough roads, and always wear a helmet.
What is the most secluded beach in Koh Tao?
Laem Thian Beach, known for its abandoned resort, is the most secluded beach on Koh Tao. Its remote location ensures a peaceful escape, ideal for those looking to enjoy solitude away from the crowds.
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I hope that this guide to Koh Tao's best beaches has inspired you to explore this island gem!
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