Koh Tao is a little island but despite its size, it comes packed with plenty of opportunities for adventure. Check out the top 10 things to do on Koh Tao.

1. Sairee Beach 

The longest and most popular beach on Koh Tao is Sairee. On the West side of the island, this beach stretches north to south with soft white sand and crystal clear blue waters. A truly gorgeous beach, this is the most popular on the island but somehow it never feels too crowded. Near the beach is the main part of town, this area is loaded with shops, restaurants, bars and even some street food.

2. Day trip to Nang Yuan Island

This is the iconic viewpoint you see everywhere online, this view is synonymous with Koh Tao. Nang Yuan is just a short-tail boat ride away from the main island. You can book the boat from Sairee beach, 200/250 THB round trip and you’ll pay an additional 250 THB to enter the island. There isn’t much to do here, a short hike will take you up to the famous viewpoint, there you can see where the beaches meet. Bring your snorkels, have a swim and lounge on the beach for a few hours.

3. Explore the many bays and beaches 

Due to its shape and jagged edges, Koh Tao is full of little coves and bays. The best way to explore the island is by motorbike. Rental shops are easy to find and scattered all over, rent a bike and drive around exploring all of the stunning beaches and bays. Click on the bays below to pull up the location and save it to your google maps!

• Tanote Bay

• Shark Bay

• Mango Bay

• Chalok Baan Kao Bay

• Aow Leuk Bay

• Freedom Beach

4. Hiking 

You’ll soon realize that most of the roads on Koh Tao run along the western side of the island. This is due to the lush and dense jungle that dominates the east side. Koh Tao is tiny so there aren’t as many trails here as you might find on its cousin island of Koh Phanghan. Still though, there are some great trails and viewpoints that can’t be missed. 

• Tanote Peak and West Coast Viewpoint

• John Suwan Viewpoint
  
  
  

5. Snorkeling 

Koh Tao literally translates to ‘Turtle island’. With this, I’m sure you can guess that this place is best known for the beauty that’s found under the water. While snorkeling, you’ll have the chance to spot turtles, reef sharks, a variety of fish and of course, plenty of coral.  

• The best bays for snorkeling are Tanote, Shark Bay, Aow Leuk Bay, and the Japanese Gardens on Nang Yuan Island.
  
  

6. Get scuba certified 

This is it! This is the number one reason why people come to Koh Tao. Odds are the majority of anyone you meet here is either learning to dive or already on their way to becoming a Divemaster or Scuba instructor. I’m not exaggerating when I say literally everyone is diving here, myself included! I completed my advanced scuba certification here back in 2018. There are a couple of reasons why this is the place to be if you’re into diving. 

• IT’S CHEAP BABY - Koh tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to become certified. An Open Water course will cost you around $250-300.

• THE WILDLIFE - The wildlife in the waters of Koh tao are the stars of the show. Stunning coral and sea life surround the island, meaning you don’t have to travel far for some sick dive sites. It’s even common to see whale sharks during the months of March to June.

• THE WATER - Water surrounding Koh Tao is warm all year round, so warm it can make going on a dive feel like you’re jumping into the bath. The water is warm, consistently clear which means great visibility for your dives and has minimal currents. All of this makes for some great diving conditions, especially for first-time beginners.
  
  
  

7. Fire show 

A fire show is an absolute classic on the beach of any Thai island. Catch the sunset and then sit back to enjoy the mesmerizing display of the local fire dancers. Some of the best shows can be seen at AC Beach Bar Club and Lotus Bar.

8. Muay Thai Class 

The sport of the country, Muay Thai, is a deeply rooted tradition in Thailand. On the island you have the option to take part and sometimes even watch a fight! Koh tao has quite a few gyms that offer classes for beginners and all levels! 

• Monsoon Gym

• Pankom Muay Thai

• Island Muay Thai

  
  

9. Catch the sunset

Sairee and many other beaches are perfectly positioned on the west side of the island. This makes for many prime spots to watch the sun go down. Whether you’re in the water paddle boarding or sat on the sand, sunsets on the island are an absolute highlight. The best spots for sunset are Sairee, Chalok Baan Kao Bay and John Suwan Viewpoint.

10. Try something new! 

It’s up to you but rest assured, there’s something for everyone. Some fun activities on the island include:

• Yoga at Living Juices and Yoga Cafe

• Massage on the beach at Kayo

• Play some games at Mini golf or Arcadia Bar

• Fun dives at one of the many dive shops

• Snorkel and fishing trips

• Paddleboard / kayaking in the bays

• Learn how to make Thai food in a cooking class

• Rock climbing at Goodtime Adventures or bouldering at Bunker Climbing Gym
  
  

Koh Tao is one of my favorite islands here and where its located in the Gulf of Thailand makes it easy to get to. The two mainland ferry points are at Chumphon and Surat Thani. Both of these locations have airports and flights are cheap from places like Bangkok. You can also fly to the neighboring island of Koh Samui, which actually has its own airport. Once you fly, bus or train to either one of these three locations, all that’s next is a ferry ride to the Mae Haad Pier. 

Koh Tao truly is a must-visit and from here you have the option to visit other neighboring islands in the Gulf, places like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and the Ang Thong Marine Park.  

• Madeline

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