For one of the best views of Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao’s northern coast, Grape Viewpoint is worth the hike.
Located on the northwest corner of Koh Tao, this spot was once just a boulder viewpoint but is now a small restaurant and bar with fantastic panoramic views of Koh Nang Yuan. The owner is currently building an access road, though it’s unfinished, so I recommend hiking up to fully enjoy the experience. Here’s everything you need to know if you want to hike this trail on Koh Tao instead of riding.
Grape Viewpoint Hike: Overview
There are three main routes up to Grape Viewpoint, but below I'll cover the route I took from Northern Sairee near Dusit Buncha Resort, which passes by Top Point and Grandfather Rock Lagoon. This path combines a steep paved road with a beautiful jungle trail. Here’s a quick overview:
Main Route Options:
- Direct Road Route (the route I took): Follow the road from the turn-off at Dusit Buncha, then turn right at the fork, follow for 2km or so up to the viewpoint.
- Jim’s Bar/Mango Viewpoint Route: Starts near Jim’s Bar and connects with the jungle trail (about 5 km total).
- Green Viewpoint Jungle Route: Steep road to Green Viewpoint, then turn right into the jungle to join the Jim’s Bar path.
My Route (option 1 above):
- Distance: 4 km one way
- Elevation Gain: 400 m
- Difficulty: Challenging (short but very steep)
- Time: 1.5-2 hours one way
- Entrance Fee: 100 THB per person (with a free drink)
- Facilities: Bar, basic Thai food, toilets
On this route, expect the first half of the trail to be steep but paved. The second half follows a jungle path, with some overgrowth and sandy/muddy jungle trails, but nothing too difficult. It’s a steep, rewarding climb, and the view at the top makes it all worthwhile.
How to Get to the Grape Viewpoint Trailhead on Koh Tao
To start the hike to Grape Viewpoint, head to the northern end of Sairee. From Sairee’s main area, follow the road north past the 7-11, all the way until the road ends at Dusit Buncha Resort.
However, as you approach the resort, look for an unmarked road branching off to the right, around 100 meters before the Dusit Buncha motorbike parking area. This is the trail access road, which eventually leads to Grape Viewpoint after passing Top Point, another boulder viewpoint on Koh Tao.
My Experience Hiking to Grape Viewpoint
The road begins gently, but quickly steepens as it winds up. We were tempted to take the bike up but we knew it was going to get steep, and since we were hiking in Monsoon season, we did not want to get stuck trying to drive the bike down a very steep, slippery road.
So, we set off on foot. The hike to Grape View started out the same way as the route to Top Point and Grandfather Rock Lagoon, with the first kilometer or so winding steeply up a concrete road.
The incline kicked in straight away, and while it wasn’t too intense at first, it quickly turned into a very steep climb. After about 20 minutes we reached Top View and stopped for a drink and enjoyed the view.
Continuing from Top View, we hiked about 200 meters further along the concrete road until we reached a fork. There was an overgrown sign here indicating that the road to the left leads to Grandfather Rock. We first checked out the Grandfather Rock and then doubled back to this fork towards Grape Viewpoint.
Veering into the overgrown jungle trail, it opened up almost immediately. The first section is flat but then there are some muddy steep sections to ascend, nothing too difficult.
The trail continues to climb for a few hundred meters before reaching a fork. To get to Grape Viewpoint, you need to turn left at this fork. Turning right will eventually get you to Summit Viewpoint and the road to Mango Bay.
This last section then turns into a road again, which was easily managed and actually descends a bit until we reached Grape Viewpoint.
What to Expect at Grape Viewpoint
Grape Viewpoint is a surprising find at the top of a challenging hike.
Like many viewpoints on Koh Tao, locals have built a business it, constructing a nice bar with a spacious deck, comfy cushions, and even a small restaurant run by the friendly owner. There’s a 100 THB entrance fee per person, but it includes a free drink, and honestly, it’s well worth it for the incredible setup and views.
The main view here is straight out over Koh Nang Yuan, with an uninterrupted sightline that’s perfect for catching the sunset behind the island.
The deck offers panoramic views, not just over Koh Nang Yuan but also of northern Koh Tao, where lush jungle drops dramatically into the deep blue ocean lined with boulders below.
After enjoying a drink and taking in one of the best viewpoints on Koh Tao, you have the option to double back the way you came or complete a long loop to the Mango Bay access road, passing a few more excellent viewpoint bars on the way.
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!