From scuba diving to sunset hikes, here are the absolute best things to do on Koh Tao Island, Thailand.
The main attraction to Koh Tao is its scuba diving and immaculate underwater world. In fact, this is what drew me here for the first time back in 2018. After spending 3 months living on the island while completing my PADI Diver Master course, I discovered that there was so much more to do than just diving!
Since, I’ve been back countless times and now consider Koh Tao my second home. In this guide, I’ll reveal to you the absolute best things to do on Koh Tao, from iconic viewpoints like John Suwan, to secluded beaches like Tanote Bay!
Awesome Things to Do on Koh Tao Island
You'll never be short of things to do on Koh Tao. Although the island is a mere 21 km², it definitely packs in a huge chunk of adventure!
If you're in a rush, or only have a few days to visit Koh Tao, I recommend picking a 5 island day trip, visiting Koh Nang Yuan, and trying scuba diving! Here are my top 3 favorite activities you can book right now, read on for a full list!
1. Koh Nang Yuan & 5-island Day Trip Top Pick
An epic speedboat island hopping trip to Koh Nang Yuan (a must-visit island near Koh Tao), and nearby snorkeling & swimming spots.
Koh Tao is one of the cheapest & best places in the world to get your PADI license & this school has some of the best prices.
3. Full-day snorkeling adventure
An epic snorkeling day trip visiting some of the best spots on the island, including Shark Bay, Aowe Leuk, and Mango Bay.
1. Island Hop to Koh Nang Yuan
One of the most famous spots on Koh Tao isn't actually on the island itself. Koh Nang Yuan
This double-headed island is connected via a thin, white stretch of sand surrounded by pristine coral reefs. A day trip here is usually filled with snorkeling, swimming in crystal clear water, lounging on the beach, and exploring its jungle viewpoints.
The best and easiest way to visit Koh Nang Yuan is to jump on a speedboat island hopping trip, which also visits some of the best snorkeling spots around Koh Tao. Alternatively, you can find longtail boats in the morning at Sairee, or kayak yourself from nearby Dusit Buncha Resort (there are kayaks for rent here).
Travel Tip for Koh Nang Yuan: The island has stringent environmental restrictions, with no plastic bottles or waste being allowed on the island (they searched our bags). There is also a newly increased 250 baht environmental protection fee per adult (120 baht for children) to gain entry.
2. Go Scuba Diving On Koh Tao's Reefs
Koh Tao is also known as Turtle Island and is famous for being the Scuba Diving mecca of Southeast Asia.
This is one of the cheapest places on earth to complete your open-water scuba course.
The diving on Koh Tao is excellent, with clear water, healthy reefs, and very consistent conditions. Due to the island's geography, there are usually a few decent dive sites that are calm, no matter the weather.
While the most famous dive site is Sail Rock, my favorite on Koh Tao is the Chumphon Pinnacle, where you can sometimes see whale sharks!
Additionally, travelers will find many reputable dive centers all over the island where you can jump on a guided dive (if you're certified), or do your Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Dive Master, or even Instructor course!
3. Go Beach-Hopping on Koh Tao
There are many great sandy beaches and secluded, rocky coves with crystal clear water and coral reefs for swimming or snorkeling on Koh Tao. So, whether you're into water sports or lounging on white sand, Koh Tao beaches, below are my favorite:
- Freedom Beach
- Sai Daeng Beach
- Tanote Bay
- Shark Bay
- Hin Wong Bay
- Sai Nuan Beach
- Chalok Baan Kao bay
I recommend renting a scooter from one of the shops in Sairee Beach for 200-250 Thai Baht per day and exploring the beautiful bays, shallow waters, and popular beaches on the tiny island.
4. John Suwan Viewpoint
If you're looking to get away from the craziness of Sairee and the scuba hum, there are some decent hikes to be had just a short scooter ride away. For such a small island, Koh Tao has its fair share of viewpoints and short hikes.
One of the best hikes is John Suwan View Point. Although this is a fairly short hike, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views on the island from the south coast. Walking only 10 minutes up from the entrance to Freedom Beach, you will reach a rocky outcrop that stretches out at the southernmost point of Koh Tao.
The view spans over the adjacent bays, with a thin section of tropical jungle with palm trees in between.
The entrance fee for John Suwan Viewpoint is 100 Thai Baht.
5. The Dusit Buncha Resort Sunset Viewpoint
Island life means epic sunsets. You'd be
Dusit Buncha Resort (previously Nang Yuan Terrace) offers views of the sun setting on the water, right beside Koh Nang Yuan. You can also witness Sairee Beach nightlife come alive from this terrace! Truly one of the best viewpoints on Koh Tao, and a hidden gem.
6. Snorkel with Black Tip Reef Sharks at Shark Bay
If you've come to Koh Tao to check out the marine life, then you might have heard about the famous Black Tips at Shark Bay.
This is a small bay on the southeast side of the island. You can snorkel with these sharks every day from 6:00 to 9:00 am in the shallows of the bay.
There are also plenty of turtles that hide in Shark Bay, seemingly to get away from the craziness of Sairee. I recommend visiting in the early morning for the highest chance of swimming with these amazing sea animals.
7. Koh Tao Snorkeling Trip
If you don't want to go scuba diving but still want to experience the underwater world, then a great way to do so is to jump on board the popular Koh Tao snorkeling trip.
This is a full-day boat trip visiting some of the top snorkeling locations on Koh Tao, including:
- Koh Nang Yuan
- Hin Wong Bay
- Aow Leuk Bay
- Shark Bay
- Mango
This is a fully decked-out boat, complete with an upstairs deck and even a water slide.
Book: Koh Tao Snorkeling Trip
8. Love Koh Tao Viewpoint
Many of the viewpoints have small bars and restaurants that are set up at the top, including the famous "Love Koh Tao" viewpoint.
This is a great place to catch the sunset, and accessible via a steep road leading up from nearby Tanote Bay. At the top, there's a famous love heart selfie sign, which is where the name comes from.
9. Hike to Fraggle Rock
One of my favorite viewpoints on Koh Tao that I recommend to travelers for sunset is Fraggle Rock, a large outcrop of boulders located on the mountains above Sairee.
The hike up is quite easy, and you can drive your scooter almost all the way up to the boulders. I recommend heading up Hin Wong Bay road (which is a little steep so make sure you have a good scooter), passing the turn-off for Mango Bay on the left, and turning right onto a clear trail towards a cell tower.
Continue on this trail and you'll soon reach the large boulder where there are wooden steps to help you climb up.
From the top, you can get clear views of Mae Haad Bay, Sairee Beach, and Koh Nang Yuan.
This area is called "Meks Mountain" and you need to pay an entrance fee of 50 baht per person.
10. Cliff Jumping at Tanote Bay
Koh Tao also has opportunities for cliff jumping. One of the best spots to do this is in Tanote Bay. Although it's not the tallest drop, Tanote Bay has a modest rocky outcrop situated in the center of the bay.
The jump is roughly 5m into crystal clear water filled with pristine reefs.
We chose to come to Tanote Bay several times in between diving to relax on the big rock and enjoy the relative calmness of the area.
11. Go Freediving
Freediving is absolutely taking the underwater world by storm. There are loads of freediving shops and schools popping up everywhere in Koh Tao.
One of the best and most well-renowned is Apnea Total. Similarly to the scuba diving scene, you can find very cheap prices for world-class freediving training. They offer programs from beginner all the way to competitive-level freediving.
Although I didn't sign up at any schools, I have spoken to a few people who were undertaking their master-level training and swore by the quality of freediving schools in Koh Tao.
If you've already done some freediving and just want to head out with a buddy. I can recommend an awesome secluded freediving spot tucked-away training grounds on the Eastern Side of Koh Tao, just in front of Moondance Magic Resort. However, it takes a bit of local know-how to get down there.
12. Visit Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan (Ko Pha Ngan) is another popular island located close to Koh Tao and famous for its crazy Full Moon Party which happens on the night and on either side of the full moon.
However, other than the party, there are plenty of fun things to do on Koh Phangan, including some epic beaches and viewpoints.
It's quite easy to get to Koh Phangan– simply book your Lomprayah Ferry ticket online and show up at Mae Haad port. Although it is possible to visit on a day trip, I recommend spending at least a night here.
13. Visit the Only Animal Clinic on Koh Tao
Although this is undeniably one of the most un-touristy things that you could do on Koh Tao, if you're an animal lover, definitely visit the animal clinic in Cha Lok. Koh Tao Animal Clinic is a not-for-profit organization that operates completely on donations and volunteer support.
This is the only clinic and veterinary facility on the island. For such a small clinic with little funds, they do a great job of desexing and caring for the thousands of animals on the island.
If you have a few dollars left from lunch, why don't you go down and sponsor a stray? It doesn't cost a lot to help an injured or sick dog or cat, and a little change goes a long way.
If you're staying for a longer period and looking to volunteer, head in and ask for Yo or Jae and see if they have anything for you to do.
14. Snorkel at Tao Thong Beach (Hidden Gem)
On my most recent trip to Koh Tao, I discovered my new favorite beach, Tao Thong. This is a hiddem gem located on the Southwest corner of Koh Tao and accessible via a scenic mountain road.
You won't find many other travelers here, just a few small villas and a restaurant with amazing views over crystal clear water.
Tao Thong Beach is also one of the best beaches on Koh Tao for snorkeling. You'll often see turtles swimming through this area. Furthermore, there is a nice rocky area called Cape Ja Te Kang, just next to this beach, where you'll find a small bench that is one of the best sunset spots on Koh Tao!
15. Hike to the Abandoned Resort
If you're looking for a day of adventure to a secluded spot, the abandoned resort is one of the most underrated spots to visit on Koh Tao. The resort is tucked away on the far Eastern Corner of Koh Tao at Laem Thian Beach.
You will need to hike through the jungle for an hour to reach the resort. Once you get there, you can explore the empty rooms, reception area, and rooftops. The beach is also one of my favorite beaches on Koh Tao. This is a great spot to swim, snorkel, and cliff jump.
You might even be lucky enough to spot some famous Koh Tao turtles.
16. Grab Some Koh Tao Street Pad Thai at Sairee Beach
If you're looking for a cheap meal in between dives, look no further than the Pad Thai street vendors in Sairee. You can find the best ones just near the 7-Eleven on the Northern side of Sairee Beach.
For 50 Baht, you can pick up a decently sized Pad Thai with peanuts. Not bad.
17. Mango Viewpoint
Mango Viewpoint is another epic lookout spot situated on the north end of Koh Tao. This one is just a short 15-minute drive from Sairee Beach, following a sealed but very steep road to the top of the hill.
At the top, you'll find a small bar, where you'll need to pay the 100 baht entrance fee.
However, the views are definitely worth it, especially if you make the trip for sunset where you can watch the sun set over Sairee Beach!
18. Join the Famous Koh Tao Pub Crawl
It's no secret that the nightlife in Koh Tao can get pretty wild and it all starts on the Koh Tao Pub Crawl. If you're anywhere near Sairee after 6:00 pm then it's impossible to miss the black singlet gang moving from pubs to cabaret shows across Sairee.
The pub crawl is actually one of the top three biggest in the entire world. For its size, it's pretty well run and stops at some cool bars. If you're looking to join in, meet at Choppers Bar around 6:00 pm.
19. Relax on Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is one of my favorite beaches on Koh Tao. While it takes just 10 minutes or so to ride here on a scooter, it definitely feels like you're on a different island.
The white sand and orange rocks make for a perfect palette when mixed with the clear, turquoise water. There are usually very few tourists at Freedom Beach, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
20. Rent SUPs on Sairee Beach
In my opinion, the best way to see the sunset on Sairee Beach is from a stand-up paddleboard. It won't be difficult for you to find a place to rent a SUP on Sairee. Just walk around to any of the beachfront dive shops and they will most likely have them.
Renting a SUP on Sairee usually costs 250 baht for 1 hour, 600 baht for half a day, or 900 baht for a full day (8 hours).
Tip: If you're diving on Koh Tao, ask your dive shop to see if they will give you a discount on board hire. We did this and they let us rent the boards for free!
21. Watch the Fire Dancers on Sairee Beach
There's no better way to end a long day of scuba diving and hiking than to relax on the beach with
The best place to catch them is at Lotus Bar just after sunset.
22. Snorkel at Hin Wong Bay
Visiting Hin Wong Bay is one of the top things to do for travelers looking to get off the beaten path on Koh Tao Island.
Ao Hin Wong is a rocky beach with a small bar and a narrow stretch of orange sand. The bay is a popular dive site, but is also great for snorkeling as you can explore the coral and schooling fish just meters off the shore!
23. Try Muay Thai
Like most of the Thai Islands, Koh Tao has a Muay Thai gym, as well as regular Muay Thai fight nights. I've trained at both of the gyms on the island, but my favorite is Monsoon Gym, found on the main road running from Sairee to Mae Haad.
Muay Thai is the bloodline of Thai culture and a must-do experience when in Southeast Asia. Just be prepared for a hard workout!
24. Visit Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of the most popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand. As the second largest Thai Island, this vacation spot is lined with beach bars, beautiful beaches, and luxury resorts.
This is a huge island and it would take more than just a day to explore all of the popular activities. However, if you have the time, it's certainly worth visiting. The average ferry crossing time is just 2 hours and 45 minutes from Mae Haad.
25. Sun Suwan 360 Viewpoint
As you can tell by now, one of my favorite things to do on Koh Tao is to catch the sunset at one of the many mountain viewpoints.
Sun Suwan 360 Viewpoint is a new bar located on the southern tip of Koh Tao near John Suwan. This one is easier to get to than John Suwan and doesn't require a hike. However, you'll still find amazing views over Shark Bay and the rest of the island from here.
Entrance fee: The entrance fee is 50 Baht, which gets you a free soft drink or water. Or, you can use it as a voucher to pay for a beer.
26. Baby Rasta Bar
Looking for one of the coolest bars on Koh Tao? If you're into live music and chill vibes, make sure to stop by Baby Rasta– a treehouse bar serving everything you'd expect to find at a Reggae Bar.
27. Koh Tao Sunset Viewpoint
Known as "Little Viewpoint", "High Rock View Point", and "Koh Tao Sunset Viewpoint", this off-the-beaten-path viewpoint at the back of Sairee is a great place to catch the sunset. The large outcrop offers panoramic views of Sairee Beach from above.
This is a west-facing viewpoint with a huge boulder that is perfect for catching the last sunrays. You'll find it pinned on Google as "Sunset Point View", and there is no entrance fee here.
28. Thai Massage at Sairee
After a long day of scuba diving, hiking, or exploring the fun things to do on the island, a great option is to opt for a Thai massage from one of the many parlors along Sairee Beach.
Prices are very reasonable, ranging from 200-250 Thai Baht per hour.
29. Thai Longtail Boat Tour
Looking for an easy and cheap way to explore the island? Head down to Sairee Beach in the morning and speak to one of the Longtail boat drivers.
Many will offer to take you over to Koh Nang Yuan for around 300 Thai Baht for the round trip. I recommend this option if you want to save some money and explore Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Tao independently.
Book: Koh Tao Longtail Tour
30. High Bar
High Bar is a small reggae bar at the very top of Koh Tao in the Chalok Baan Kao district.
This bar is quite difficult to get to due to a very steep road leading right up the mountain. However, this is definitely one of the funnest places to hang out, and sports some pretty great views if you get here early for sunset.
31. Take a Thai Cooking Class
Want to learn how to cook delicious Pad Thai or Penang curry? Koh Tao is a great place to do that!
The famous Thai cooking class with Joy is a home-style cooking lesson where travelers get the opportunity to learn how to cook delicious, and authentic Thai food.
With close to 300 5-star reviews on Google, this is definitely one of the most popular activities on Koh Tao!
32. Koh Tao Night Market
Just across from the Koh Tao leisure park (mini golf) is an awesome local night market. Here you'll get the chance to pick up some small crafts like jewelry and purses, as well as some delicious food and fresh produce for a great price!
33. Wat Koh Tao Temple
On the main road connecting Sairee to Mae Haad, there is a beautiful Buddhist temple perched on the coast side of the road.
Named Wat Koh Tao, this modern Thai temple is worth a quick visit since it's the only Buddhist temple on the island so it is worth visiting.
Travel Tip: You'll likely pass this temple on the hill if you are heading south to explore beaches like Tanote Bay or Freedom Beach.
34. Dive at Sail Rock - The Best Thing to do on Koh Tao for Scuba Divers
While there are plenty of great dive sites on Koh Tao like the Chumphon Pinnacle, Lighthouse, White Rock, Shark Island, and the HTMS Sattakut wreck, none even come close to Sail Rock!
This is considered the diving highlight in the Gulf of Thailand and is a frequent whale shark hot spot. However, it is quite deep and far from Koh Tao, meaning most dive schools don't visit every day, and you'll need your Advanced Open Water ticket.
So, if you want to dive at Sail Rock and its epic Chimney, I recommend contacting several dive shops in advance.
35. Cool Off At the Blacktip Cafe Ice Bath
On my recent trip to Koh Tao, I discovered Blacktip Cafe. This is now my favorite cafe coworking place on the island, serving incredible, healthy food. Best of all, you can do sauna and an ice bath here, which is excellent if you want to cool off!
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.
Long-Term Accommodation on Koh Tao
If you're staying on the island for a while and want to explore more of the fun things to do, then I'd highly recommend getting a monthly lease to save money.
There are dozens of apartments available for under $500 per month. They typically have a balcony view, their own kitchen, and aircon.
Travel tip: If you're going to take this route, look up the Koh Tao Rooms for Rent Facebook group.
How to Get to Koh Tao
The fastest way to get to Koh Tao is to book a flight to neighboring Koh Samui and then take a quick ferry to Koh Tao from there.
However, unless you score a cheap flight ticket to Koh Samui, this option is most likely going to be the most expensive. Luckily, there are cheaper options available.
Koh Tao Transport Options
The cheapest and best way to get to Koh Tao is to take the Lomprayah Ferry. You can book this online in advance using the links below.
The Cheapest Option to Get to Koh Tao: Bus and Ferry
Usually, flights to and from Bangkok and Phuket are going to be the cheapest airports to fly into internationally. Luckily, several buses run from Phuket and Bangkok to Koh Tao, which is a great way to get here cheaply.
Book: Bus & Ferry Kombo from Bangkok
Book: Ferry from Surat Thani
Stitching together a bus and ferry combo to Koh Tao is completely possible by yourself. However, if you want to save time and pay the same money, then I'd recommend just buying a combined bus and ferry ticket from Bangkok.
For travelers coming from Phuket, I suggest booking a bus to Surat Thani, then getting the ferry to Koh Tao from there.
The combined tickets liked above are the faster-speed catamarans and air-conditioned coaches that will take you the whole way. You also won't get ripped off for an expensive transfer at the ferry terminal as this is also included.
Koh Tao Packing List
Wondering what to pack during day trips and for your time exploring Koh Tao? Check the image below for the essential items.
Read: Best Things to do at Railay Beach
When is the Best Time To Visit Koh Tao?
If you're going to spend a lot of time in the water, then the best time to visit Koh Tao is from March to May, when the weather is hotter and the visibility is good.
However, Koh Tao enjoys hot tropical weather patterns and the best time to travel will depend on the monsoon season and what you'd like to do on the island. The Monsoon typically arrives in late October with heavy rains and can continue into December.
Option: May to October is also another great time to visit Koh Tao. This season sees the start of the stronger winds sweeping across the island. However, the weather is still hot, at around 32 degrees and you'll enjoy some light evening showers.
Review: Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?
If you can't tell by now, I love Koh Tao. I've visited countless times and it's my home away from home in many ways. While I was drawn in for the scuba diving, I've found my paradise here on this tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand.
But, is it for you? If you love adventure, tropical landscapes, secluded coves, a great nightlife scene, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fun activities and things to do, then yes, you should visit Koh Tao!
FAQ About Activities on Koh Tao
What are the top activities to do in Koh Tao?
The best and most iconic activities are Scuba diving, island hopping to Koh Nang Yuan, and exploring the beaches across the island such as Freedom Beach and Tanote Bay.
How can I get to Koh Tao?
The cheapest way is by a combination of bus and ferry from Bangkok or Phuket. Alternatively, you can fly to Koh Samui and take a ferry to Koh Tao.
When is the best time to visit?
The ideal time is from March to May for good weather and visibility underwater. However, May to October also offers hot weather with occasional showers.
Are there any entry fees for popular spots?
Yes, places like Koh Nang Yuan charge a 250 baht for adults and 120 baht per child as an environmental protection fee. Other sites may have entrance fees of around 100 baht as well, such as John Suwan Viewpoint.
Can beginners learn to scuba dive in Koh Tao?
Yes, Koh Tao is known as one of the cheapest and most popular places to learn scuba diving, with many reputable dive centers offering Open Water courses. Both Haylea and I did our course here and highly recommend Bans Dive Center.
Is there much to do on Koh Tao for non-divers?
Yes, there are plenty of activities like snorkeling, beach hopping, hiking, and enjoying the nightlife, making it a great destination for everyone, even if you're not a scuba diver.
Is Koh Tao safe for tourists?
Generally, yes. While the island once had a bad reputation, these days it is very safe. However, it's important to take standard safety precautions, especially when renting scooters or going on boat trips.
Do you recommend
Absolutely! If you enjoy rugged jungle nature, amazing coral reefs, and a mix of great nightlife and a laid-back and relaxed island vibe, Koh Tao is for you, even if you don't scuba dive!
How many days do you need for Koh Tao?
Although I've spent several months on the island, I still feel like there are so many more things to do here. Most people visit for 3-4 days to visit Koh Nang Yuan, relax on the beaches, and enjoy the nightlife. However, I recommend at least a week if you are considering a dive course.
I hope that this comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Koh Tao has been useful in planning your adventures.
For more Thai travel inspiration, make sure to check out some of the links below.
- 13 Best Tours in Thailand - my list of favorite bookable Thai travel experiences
- Things to do at Railay - plan your trip to Thai backpacker mecca
- Things to do in Pai - find fun and free things to do in Pai
- Accommodation Guides: Plan where to stay in Krabi, and amazing hotels in Railay and Ao Nang.
