Koh Tao is known around the world as the ‘diving island’ and it’s for good reason. If you’re looking to obtain your scuba certification and you want it at a cheap price, this really is the place to be. The dive sites in the bays nearby are gorgeous and nearly every person on the island is either an instructor, dive master or in the process of becoming one. I’m not exaggerating here, if you’re not diving you’re the odd one out. It should be known though, that Koh Tao’s beauty isn’t limited to what lies under the surface. 

When you come up and out of the water, Koh Tao has so much to offer on land. Its hilly nature means there are some pretty incredible viewpoints that are only accessible by trails hidden in the jungle. And if you know me, you know that wherever I go I’m hiking something.

The trek

This hike is short and sweet but delivers the views, especially on a sunny day or even for sunset. When hiking to this viewpoint, you can also check out Tanote Peak, which is another viewpoint further up on the trail - a little two-birds one-stone action. I use All Trails for all of my hikes and you can download this specific trek on the app here.

• Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour 

• Entrance fee: 100 baht ($3) with one drink included

• Level: Easy 

Getting there was quite easy, just plug in West Coast Viewpoint into your google maps and you’ll be led straight to the entrance of the trail.

At the start

We parked our bikes before reaching the final destination on google maps, at the very first restaurant on the hill- it’ll be on your left-hand side. We did this to gain a bit more of a walk-up, and we were a little unsure of the roads ahead. It is possible to drive your bike right up to the entrance of the trail, the roads here aren’t the best but you will be able to drive the whole way.

At the entrance of the trail, a sweet little Thai lady will ask you to pay the entrance fee of 100 baht. A drink of your choice is included which was much enjoyed at the end of our hike when we came back down.  

The trail was well-defined and pretty straightforward, it meandered through the jungle and past large boulders on the hillside. Small wooden planks and branches will bridge gaps in the trail from time to time. Follow any and all wooden ladders.

We hiked up early in the morning, around 8 or 9 am, and at this time we were the only ones on the trail. This meant we had the viewpoints to ourselves which is always ideal. Hiking earlier in the day also allows you to escape some of the harsher heat found later in the day. 

We plan to return and complete the hike again, it was a nice morning activity to help wake up the senses. Next time, we’ll return with some snacks and drinks to make a little picnic out of the spot. I recommend doing the same!

Tanote Peak

After the lookout between the rocks, you can continue up and to your left to Tanote Peak. 

Only a short and steep climb further, and you’ll then be at one of the highest points on the island. The trail will dead-end to a stack of boulders, this is where you’ll be rewarded with another unobstructed view of the bay.

After you’ve had your fill of the view and no doubt scrambled onto the rocks for a few photos, you’ll head back the way you came. We stopped at the entrance to then cash in our drink voucher that was purchased at the start. Another opportunity for a little sip, view and a munch on some banana. 

A short and sweet little hike that is well worth the views.

• Madeline

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