Congratulations, you’ve found Freedom Beach– one of the most scenic beaches on Koh Tao, with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Just a short swim out, you’ll find a shallow coral reef teeming with marine life, and from the shore, you can spot the unique Hin Taa Toh, or Buddha Rock, standing tall on the cape.
While Freedom Beach is private and has a small entrance fee, it’s one of the rare spots where paying is worth it in my opinion. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy one of Koh Tao’s most beautiful beaches!
Freedom Beach: Overview & Things to Know
Freedom Beach is a secluded, sandy cove owned by Relax Freedom Beach Resort (one of the best places to stay on Koh Tao).
This makes it one of the few private beaches on Koh Tao with an entrance fee. Despite this, it’s well-maintained and offers access to a few other attractions and amenities. Here's what you need to know:
- Location: South of Koh Tao, near Chalok Bay
- Access: Reachable by motorbike or taxi; a short walk from the parking area down to the beach
- Distance from Sairee: About 15 minutes by motorbike
- Great for: Swimming, snorkeling, scenic views, and relaxing in a quieter, beautiful spot
- Entrance Fee: 100 THB (also gives access to Taa Toh Bay and John Suwan Viewpoint)
- Facilities: Restaurant & small beach bar, restrooms, shaded area, hammocks, beach chairs
- Motorbike parking: Park your motorbike near Taa Toh Bay and walk the 3 minutes down to the beach
Tip: This beach faces almost directly west, which is great for sunset. It's also a protected spot to visit when the wind is blowing from the east. If it's windy at Sairee, it'll likely be windy at Freedom beach, so instead visit Aow Leuk Beach or Tanote Bay if that's the case.
How to Get to Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is about a 10-15 minute drive from both Sairee Beach and Mae Haad Pier, located at the southern tip of Koh Tao on the main road that runs north to south across the island.
I recommend renting a motorbike (usually 250 THB per day) and driving here yourself, or paying for a taxi.
Directions: As you head south and pass through Chalok village, look out for signs directing you to John-Suwan Viewpoint—Freedom Beach is just nearby. You can set directions for "Taa Toh Lagoon Beach" and park your bike there.
If you arrive early, you might find no one there to collect the entrance fee, and it’s worth noting that John-Suwan Viewpoint is a great sunrise spot. Just keep in mind that both Freedom Beach and the viewpoint are maintained by the resort, so the small fee goes towards upkeep!
More Info: Stay at Relax Freedom Beach Resort
What to Expect at Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is a white-sand beach with some of the cleanest, powdery sand on Koh Tao.
In my experience, it's always well-maintained by the resort with cleaners who keep it spotless. The beach has a shallow, sandy entrance into the water which is perfect for snorkeling whether it’s low or high tide. However, once I visited on a really high tide and as you can see from the photos, most of the beach was underwater!
However, I recommend swimming a little further out to find a decent coral reef—and if you’re up for a bit more adventure, the snorkeling near Buddha Rock is actually really good. I believe this is due to the position close to the headland, with currents bringing in big schools of fish and plenty of nutrients for the corals.
Just note it’s a deeper area, so make sure conditions are calm and you’re comfortable in the water.
For a laid-back day, there are plenty of shady spots along the sand, plus a few cool hammocks in the trees that are included in the entry fee. The resort’s beach chairs seem to be fair game as well; I’ve used them without anyone asking for extra.
There’s also an onsite restaurant run by the resort. I haven’t eaten there, but my friends Jake and Georgie who stayed recently said the food is good, just a bit pricey as you’d expect.
All up, Freedom Beach is one of the best spots on Koh Tao if you’re after a chill beach day with great snorkeling just off the shore!
What to Do After Freedom Beach
After a day at Freedom Beach, definitely make a stop at John Suwan Viewpoint. It’s one of the best viewpoints on Koh Tao, offering a spectacular view over both Chalok Baan Kao Bay and Shark Bay from the southernmost tip of the island.
You can get to John Suwan viewpoint by continuing on the unsealed road just behind the beach and climbing some boulders to the top.
Another must-visit nearby is Shark Bay. Known for its excellent snorkeling, you can often spot blacktip reef sharks here—and I’ve almost always seen turtles cruising around the bay too. Plus, there’s no entry fee for Shark Bay, which is a bonus.
To round out the day, check out 360 Viewpoint, a newer viewpoint bar high above John Suwan and between the access to Freedom Beach and Shark Bay. For 50 THB, you get access to a killer view across southern Koh Tao and a free drink. It’s easily one of the best viewpoints on Koh Tao and the perfect spot to relax before heading back to your hotel.
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!