After spending nearly a year on Koh Tao over multiple trips, I’ve explored just about every corner of this little island. From remote beaches tucked away behind jungle trails to hidden sunset boulder spots high up in the hills, Koh Tao has so much more to offer beyond its famous dive sites.
If you’re an adventurous traveler who’d rather skip the bar crawl, hit the jungle trails and take in some epic island views– then this is the Koh Tao hiking guide for you. Below are my personal recommendations for the best hikes on Koh Tao with photos and tips on what to expect on each trail.
Tip: I’ve written detailed posts on each hike listed below to help you find the starting points and guide you through each trail (linked beneath).
1. Koh Tao Abandoned Resort Hike (Laem Thaen)
- Area: Eastern Koh Tao (Laem Thian Beach)
- Length: Approximately 1-hour hike from Jitsin, 3 km one-way
This abandoned resort hike to Laem Thian Beach is one of the more adventurous and unique trails on Koh Tao. Starting near Sairee Beach, the hike takes you through local village areas and up a rugged dirt path into the jungle.
It's a relatively straightforward trail, though you’ll need to ignore several tempting side paths and stay on the main track. The trail is mostly uphill, but the views of the eastern coast are worth the effort. Once you reach the abandoned resort, you’ll be greeted by crumbling bungalows, eerie sea-view suites, and a sense of peaceful isolation.
The resort sits between two bays, with clear waters perfect for snorkeling—this spot is known for its abundant coral and occasional sea turtles. If you're feeling bold, try the cliff jumps on the southern side of the bay. However, be mindful that the area is remote, with no phone reception or facilities.
2. John Suwan Viewpoint Hike
- Area: Southern Koh Tao (near Freedom Beach)
- Length: 500 meters (0.3 miles), approximately 10 minutes
John Suwan Viewpoint is one of the most popular Koh Tao hikes, offering panoramic views of the island's coastline from the very southern tip. The trail begins near the Freedom Beach parking area, and while it’s a short hike, don’t underestimate it—there are steep rock scrambles that require some effort.
Ropes are set up to help you navigate the slippery, rocky sections. While the ascent can be challenging, any able-bodied person should manage it without much trouble. The entrance fee is 100 baht, as the viewpoint is on private land.
At the top, the viewpoint is quite small, so it’s best to visit early in the day to avoid crowds. The views are worth the climb, though, with a stunning outlook over Shark Bay, a palm-tree-filled crater, and a coastline that seems to stretch endlessly into the distance.
3. Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint Hike
- Area: Koh Nang Yuan Island (800 meters to Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao)
- Length: 1.2 km (0.7 miles) round trip, approximately 10 minutes to the top
The Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint hike is one of the most iconic hikes on Koh Tao, and perhaps in the Gulf of Thailand, offering a breathtaking view of the famous sandbar that connects Koh Nang Yuan’s three tiny islands.
The trail starts directly from the Koh Nang Yuan pier, where you’ll follow a wooden boardwalk to the southern island. The hike itself is short but steep, with concrete steps leading through a humid jungle filled with mosquitos.
While it’s only a 10-minute climb, the trail can be sweaty work, especially during midday heat The view from the top is unbeatable—you’ll have a panoramic vista of the sandbar and the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.
4. Top Point Hike
- Area: Northern Koh Tao (near Dusit Buncha Resort)
- Length: 1 km one way, approximately 25 minutes
Top Point is one of Koh Tao’s best viewpoints, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of Koh Nang Yuan and Sairee Beach. The hike is short but steep, with a 250-meter elevation gain on a very steep road.
You can either attempt the steep concrete road by motorbike or tackle it on foot, though I recommend hiking. The trailhead is located just before Dusit Buncha Resort, along an unmarked road, so keep an eye out for it as it’s easy to miss.
The climb starts with a gentle incline but quickly steepens, with dense jungle and huge boulders surrounding the path. The entire hike takes about 20–25 minutes, and although it's a sweaty ascent, the stunning view at the top is worth the effort.
Once you reach the bamboo deck at the large boulder summit, you’ll be greeted with one of the clearest, most elevated views of Koh Nang Yuan and its famous sandbar, along with a sweeping view of Sairee Beach. There’s a 100 THB entrance fee, which includes a cold drink.
5. Grandfather Rock Lagoon Hike
- Area: Northern Koh Tao (same road as Top Point)
- Length: 1.8 km one way, approximately 40 minutes
To reach Grandfather Rock Lagoon, follow the same directions as the hike to Top Point, but after enjoying the view there, continue along the road to the left, descending slightly.
This hidden gem is perched high above the northern coast and offers impressive, crowd-free views of Koh Nang Yuan.
Unlike the more well-known viewpoints, Grandfather Rock is an abandoned spot, complete with a weathered bamboo deck on top of a massive boulder. There’s no entrance fee, making it a peaceful and untouched location to enjoy some of the best scenery Koh Tao has to offer.
6. Grape View Hike
- Area: Northwest Koh Tao (same trailhead as Top Point)
- Length: 4 km one way, approximately 1.5–2 hours
The Grape View hike offers one of the best panoramic views of Koh Nang Yuan and northern Koh Tao. Starting from the same road in the Dusit Buncha area as Top View, this route combines a steep paved road with a jungle trail, offering a challenging but rewarding climb.
The hike begins with the same concrete road as above but after passing the Top Point boulder viewpoint, the trail transitions into a more overgrown jungle path, though it remains manageable with a few steep sections.
At the top, you’ll be greeted by Grape Viewpoint’s cozy bar and deck, where you can relax with a free drink (included in the 100 THB entrance fee) while soaking up the spectacular view of Koh Nang Yuan and the coastline around from Mango Bay.
Tip: You can also hike to Grape Viewpoint from the road to Mango Bay (below).
7. West Coast Viewpoint Hike & Tanote Peak
- Area: Central Koh Tao (near Two View Restaurant on the road to Tanote Bay)
- Length: 2 km round trip, approximately 40 minutes
The hike to West Coast Viewpoint and Tanote Peak offers panoramic views of both Koh Tao’s east and west coasts.
Start at Two View Restaurant, where you’ll pay a 100 THB entrance fee (includes a drink). The trail is easy, with Tanote Peak just 15 minutes from the restaurant. From here, you get sweeping views of Tanote Bay and Aow Leuk Beach—perfect for sunrise or golden hour.
Afterward, double back to West Coast Viewpoint (which you passed earlier) for sunset views over Koh Nang Yuan and Sairee Beach. The viewpoints are only a short walk apart, making this one of the best easy hikes on Koh Tao to whether you want to visit for sunrise or sunset!
8. Sai Nuan to Jansom Bay Hike
- Area: Western Koh Tao (near Banana Rock Bar)
- Length: 1 km, approximately 20-30 minutes
Sai Nuan Beach is one of my favorite beaches on Koh Tao, and there's a great coastal hike you can do from here too! This begins with a short walk to Sai Thong Beach which starts beside Banana Rock Bar, where a sandy path leads through banana trees.
After just a few minutes, you’ll arrive at Sai Thong Beach—a small, peaceful spot with soft white sand and swaying palms. It’s free to visit and one of the best snorkeling spots on Koh Tao with a similar vibe to the nearby Sai Nuan Beach.
From here, you can continue along the trail to Jansom Bay, an easy 600-meter walk with great coastal views. The path takes you past the abandoned Charm Churee Resort, and once at Jansom Bay, there’s a 100 THB entrance fee. Despite the fee, Jansom Bay’s beauty makes it well worth the visit. If you prefer, you can also access this hike from Sensi Paradise Resort and hike in the reverse direction.
9. Fraggle Rock Hike
- Area: Behind Sairee Beach (Mek's Mountain)
- Length: 300 meters from Exotic Hive (5 minutes), or 1 km from the Hin Wong Bay road (15–20 minutes)
Fraggle Rock is one of my favorite viewpoints on Koh Tao. This is a huge boulder outcrop you'll see if you look up on the mountain from Sairee.
The hike itself is easy and short—just a 5-minute walk if you start from Exotic Hive, or a 15–20 minute hike if you begin from the Hin Wong Bay road. From the top, you'll get incredible views over Mae Haad Bay, Sairee Beach, and Koh Nang Yuan.
The trail begins at Exotic Hive, where you'll pay a 100 THB entrance fee that also grants access to a nearby bamboo viewpoint. The hike starts off through Mek's Mountain, a great spot for rock climbing and abseiling, before continuing on to the main viewpoint at Fraggle Rock.
The hike to the top is straightforward, with some rocky sections, but the views from Fraggle Rock’s iconic "rabbit ears" rock formation are worth it. It’s also a fantastic sunset spot, with sweeping views over the west coast. Just be sure to bring a torch for the hike back down after dark.
10. Koh Tao Lighthouse Hike
- Area: Northeastern Koh Tao (Lighthouse Bay)
- Length: 3.2 km return (1.5–2 hours)
The hike to Koh Tao’s lighthouse is one of the island's best-kept secrets, offering a mix of adventure and stunning views. Located on the remote northeastern coast at Lighthouse Bay (also known as Gluay Teun Bay), this trail is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the effort for its panoramic views and excellent snorkeling spots.
You can access Lighthouse Bay by either hiking from the Mango Bay turn-off or driving your motorbike to the abandoned “Por Jai View” restaurant and starting the hike from there. The trail descends through dense jungle, and after about 45 minutes you'll reach Lighthouse Bay, where you can take a refreshing swim before continuing the adventure by hiking up to the old lighthouse.
The climb to the top of the lighthouse is the highlight of this hike, and we got 360-degree views of the bay and the surrounding coastline. It's a moderate hike with steep sections (mostly on the way back up, so bring water!).
11. Sairee Beach to Tanote Bay
- Area: Cross-island (from Sairee Beach to Tanote Bay)
- Length: 4 km, approximately 3 hours
The hike from Sairee Beach to Tanote Bay is one of the best cross-island hikes on Koh Tao, offering diverse terrain and views of both coasts. Starting from Sairee Beach, you’ll head uphill along a paved road just beside Monsoon Gym before the path turns into a more rugged trail leading to Two View Restaurant & Bar (same starting points for Tanote Peak and West View above).
This is a perfect spot to rest and grab a drink while soaking in the west coast views, with sights over Sairee and Koh Nang Yuan in the distance.
From Two View, continue hiking eastward back downhill and stop at Love @ Koh Tao. This viewpoint is a great spot for sunrise or golden hour, offering unobstructed, sweeping views of the east coast.
The final section of the hike is a steep descent on a paved road leading to Tanote Bay. The path down is a bit intense on the knees, but the views over Tanote Bay and the surrounding jungle make it worthwhile. Once you reach Tanote Bay, you’ll be greeted by clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim or some snorkeling.
12. Sairee Beach to Mango Bay
- Area: Northern Koh Tao (from Sairee Beach to Mango Bay)
- Length: Approximately 4 km, 2–3 hours
The hike from Sairee Beach to Mango Bay takes you through Koh Tao’s northern hills, leading to a secluded, tranquil bay. Start uphill from Sairee Beach toward Gym & Fitness, following the steep road until you pass signs for Mango Bay Viewpoint.
Instead of turning for the viewpoint, continue straight. You’ll pass local spots like High Rock Viewpoint Bar, Jim’s Bar, and Butterfly Bar, where you can stop for a break and enjoy great views before descending to Mango Bay.
Alternatively, from Jim’s Bar you have the option to loop back through Grape View, passing Top Point and ending near Dusit Buncha Resort.
The road down to Mango Bay is steep and eventually arrives at the Mango Bay Resort where you'll pay 100 THB to enter the beach. This is one of Koh Tao's best snorkeling locations which is a treat after such a long hike from Sairee!
Where to Stay in Koh Tao For Hiking & Adventure
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.
I hope you've enjoyed my comprehensive Koh Tao hiking guide and found some awesome trails and viewpoints along 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!