Looking for the best things to do in Koh Tao, Thailand?
Look no further!
The Traveltopia team have got you covered…
Koh Tao is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand.
It is well known for its world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destinations, as well as its white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.
Here are the 11 best things to do on Koh Tao, Thailand:
1. Scuba Diving & Snorkelling on Koh Tao
Famous for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, Koh Tao is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling destinations in the world.
Crystaldive, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Thai Bhat exchange rate makes Koh Tao one of the cheapest diving destinations in the world, making Koh Tao the “go-to” for learner divers looking to acquire their open water and advanced diver certifications, as well as luring more experienced divers and marine conservationists from all over the world.
Koh Tao has a tonne of highly rated and trustworthy dive schools, as well as snorkeling shops and rentals across the island so you’ll be sure to find one that suits your needs.
Check out the highly rated and best Koh Tao dive schools below…
- Black Turtle Dive Koh Tao (Koh Tao)
- New Heaven Dive School (Koh Tao)
- Roctopus Koh Tao Diving Centre (Koh Tao)
- Big Blue Diving (Koh Tao)
We’ll cover some of the best beaches for snorkeling in this article.
Here are the best dive sites on Koh Tao for reference…
2. Visit Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tao’s Neighbouring Island
Photo by Darren Lawrence from Pexels
Koh Nang Yuan is a small island sitting just off Koh Tao, only 15-20 minutes by boat from Sairee Beach.
Your boat driver will usually arrange a pick-up time with you for your return trip, dropping off and picking you up at the pier entrance on Koh Nang Yuan.
You’ll be greeted with a small entrance fee of approximately 100 Bhat per person at the jetty, and your return boat ride will usually cost around 250 Bhat per person.
As you make your way over towards the main Jetty on Koh Nang Yuan, you’ll enjoy the view of Koh Tao from the water as well as the scenic approach to Koh Nang Yuan.
The island is made up of three small islands linked by a soft white sandbar.
Koh Nang Yuan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Koh Tao.
The island has white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and various coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing.
If you’re feeling brave, take a short hike up to the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint.
The view is absolutely spectacular and looks over the three small islands and sandbank…
A great opportunity for that winning holiday picture!
Make sure you get back to the jetty in time for your return boat ride back to Koh Tao, as you won’t want to be stuck on the island overnight with nowhere to stay!
3. Explore Koh Tao’s Best Beaches
Koh Tao arguably has some of the best beaches in Thailand…
Whether you’re looking for a quiet hidden beach, or slightly more lively, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of the best beaches on Koh Tao:
1. Sairee Beach (& Sairee Nightlife)
Let’s start with Sairee Beach, considering it’s the central hub on Koh Tao…
Situated on the West side of the Island, Sairee Beach stretches just shy of 2 kilometers in length and is littered with Bars, Restaurants and places to stay including Hotels & Beach Bungalows.
Sairee is an easy walk from Maehaad pier where the main ferry port is situated.
There’s loads to do in Sairee which we’ll cover in this article, but we feel Sairee is best known for its vibrant nightlife.
Head over to Fishbowl Beach Bar or Maya Beach Club if you’re looking for a lively night out.
If you’re wanting to stay away from the noise, we recommend staying away from the main Sairee strip just to be safe.
Fancy getting messy on the Koh Tao Pubcrawl?
Head down to Choppers Sports Bar every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.
The pub crawl usually has between 100 and 150 people, leading you through some of Sairee’s best nightlife spots including the Queen’s Cabaret show exclusively for the Pub Crawl crowd and even a pool party too with live DJs!
The crawls often sell out quickly so grab your tickets (& pub crawl t-shirt) early to not be disappointed.
It’s a messy night but great fun for the younger party animals looking to meet other travelers!
2. Shark Bay (Thian Og Bay)
Shark Bay Koh Tao, as the name suggests, is famous for its snorkeling where you’ll be accompanied by Black Tip Reef Sharks and the odd green turtle if you’re lucky.
The bay is located just inside the Haad Thien resort on the Southside of the island.
You can usually find snorkel gear for hire at the beach and local resorts but feel free to bring your own if you have them.
3. Sai Daeng
Sai Daeng is definitely a hidden gem on the Southside of Koh Tao.
You’ll find it in the middle of Shark Bay and Aow Leuk.
It’s a real chill spot and usually fairly quiet.
You’ll sometimes be able to rent a Kayak if you get bored of sunbathing.
4. Tanote Bay (Great for Cliff Jumping)
Situated on the Eastside of Koh Tao, Tanote Bay is easiest to get to via Taxiboat or Motorbike.
The beach itself offers some of the better snorkeling on Koh Tao, due to its shallow beach leading onto a stunning coral reef, popular for both snorkelers and divers.
What most remember about Tanote Bay is the huge rock protruding out of the sea, popular amongst the adrenaline junky’s who enjoy cliff diving into the water.
If you climb to the top, there’s only one way down so make sure you’re feeling up for it before you make the climb!
Whilst over there, check out the Tanote Bay Observation Tower which was built back in the 1990s.
The views are stunning and it’s great value.
It’s a little climb, but on a clear day, you’ll see Koh Nang Yuan and even Koh Phangan.
You could also stay for sunset over the bay.
It’s open 09:00am – 17:00pm every day.
5. Aow Leuk
Sitting on the South East side of Koh Tao, Aow Leuk is a little picturesque beach with the usual shallow clear water, perfect for snorkeling over the small reef sections on either side of the bay.
Take some change just in case you’re charged a small entrance fee.
6. Chalok Baan Kao Bay
Chalok Baan Kao Bay is one of the larger beaches on Koh Tao, but slightly quieter than Sairee.
There are plenty of food spots and places to stay if you’re looking to get away from Sairee’s party vibe and enjoy a more relaxing stay.
Don’t worry, you’ve still got a local 7-Eleven!
If you’re wanting a birds-eye view over the beautiful Chalok Baan Kao Bay, start your climb to the top of High Bar just behind the beach.
You’ll be greeted with spectacular views, tropical fruit shakes, Thai food and happy hour starts at 4:20 every day (if you know, you know – “High” Bar).
7. Mango Bay
Mango Bay sits on the Northside of Koh Tao, offering a small secluded beach with calm clear waters and a nice sandy seafloor.
You’ll be best to access Mango Bay via boat, but If you’re feeling fit, you can try walking it through the forest and will probably have to pay a small entrance fee to the resort.
Most make a day of it when visiting Mango Bay so it can sometimes get a little busy during peak season.
It’s common to have your beginner scuba lessons in the shallow sandy waters of Mango Bay.
Whilst you’re over there, you could head on over to Lighthouse Bay (Gluay Teun Bay) to the North East of the island, only accessible via foot or boat.
4. Find Koh Tao’s Best View Points
Koh Tao has a tonne of beautiful Viewpoints if you’re looking for those breathtaking views and a cheeky holiday snap.
Here are some must-see viewpoints on Koh Tao…
Some are a little trickier than others to get to!
1. John Suwan Viewpoint and Freedom Beach Koh Tao
Situated on the Southeast side of the island and overlooking the famous Shark Bay and Chalok Baan Kao Bay, John Suwan Viewpoint is one of the best viewpoints on Koh Tao.
It’s a little mission to get to, but definitely worth the trek once you’re up there.
If you’re taking a scooter from Sairee, it’ll take about 15 minutes to get to and you can park your scooter relatively close to the viewpoint opposite Freedom Beach resort.
From there, it’s a little rocky walk and you’ll most likely have to pay a small 50 bhat entrance fee partway up the hill.
2. Love Koh Tao Viewpoint
Just a 10-minute drive from Sairee with easy road access, Love Koh Tao Viewpoint is a must-see sunrise (or sunset!) location.
You can grab a smoothie or light snacks at the shop which will also waive your 20 bhat entrance fee.
We’d recommend visiting on a clear day to make the most of the stunning views.
5. Try Muay Thai Classes on Koh Tao
Looking to push yourself and give Muay Thai a shot?
Check out Island Muay Thai in Sairee, one of Koh Tao’s oldest Muay Thai training and fight arenas (established in 2002), the go-to destination for Muay Thai training and fight shows.
Also close to Sairee Beach, Monsoon Gym & Fight Club is another great spot to learn Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, boxing and HIIT classes.
Monsoon Gym has hosted some of the world’s best Muay Thai fighters and their coaches will be sure to push you to your limits during training.
You can even enjoy their “Fight Club” experience, fully immersing yourself in fighter training, staying on-site in their dorm rooms and enjoying tasty food from their own kitchen.
6. Flying Trapeze Koh Tao
Ever been to the circus and watched the flying trapeze?
Of course you have…
Ever wanted to give it a go yourself?
Well, now you can with Koh Tao’s amazing Flying Trapeze in Sairee Beach – A very “different” activity on a nice sunny day.
Flying Trapeze Adventures is run by the husband and wife duo, Dylan & Clara.
Fortunately, both are well versed in professional trapeze and have a staggering 30+ years of experience in the industry between them!
Check out their packages and prices at Flying Trapeze Koh Tao.
7. Rock Climbing on Koh Tao
Koh Tao isn’t as well known for rock climbing as many other islands and areas of Thailand, however, the hilly granite island has tonnes of climbing spots for all you avid climbers out there…
You’re spoilt for choice here, from complex mountain walls with picturesque views to seaside cliffs and lowland boulder fields.
Visit our good friends over at Goodtime Adventures for Koh Tao’s best climbing tours, suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced climbers.
They offer day trips and courses with a low instructor ratio meaning you’ll be getting well looked after and completely personalized climbing instruction.
8. Paddle Boarding at Sairee Beach
Everyone loves Paddle Boarding, right?
Head down to Sairee Beach and hire yourself a paddleboard if the sea is looking calm.
Sairee Beach is known for its beautiful sunsets so why not make the most of the sunset in style on the water!?
9. Rent a Moped
Although Koh Tao isn’t a huge island, we’d recommend you hire a moped to make the most of its sights during your stay…
Especially if you’re looking to visit the south side of the island.
That being said, beware when hiring (& driving) mopeds and make sure you take photos/videos of the moped with the person before you leave, just so they don’t try and claim that little hairline scratch was done by you when you return the moped!
The rental prices vary but are really cheap considering…
Ride safe and make sure you wear your helmet at all times!
Photo by Il Vagabiondo on Unsplash
10. Take a Kayak Tour on Koh Tao
One of the best ways to explore Koh Tao is by kayak.
There are many different kayaking tours available, each with its own unique set of sights to see.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely paddle around the island or a more challenging tour through the mangroves and coral reefs, Koh Tao has something for everyone.
Happy paddling!
11. Get a Thai Massage
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Like anywhere in Thailand, you’ve got to reward yourself after a hard day of adventuring with a traditional Thai Massage to relax those sore feet and muscles!
Treat yourself to a Thai Massage easily found throughout the island – The perfect activity for a rainy day.
Prices will vary but you’d expect to pay around 200-300 bhat for an hour-long massage.
Summary: Best Things To Do In Koh Tao, Thailand
So there you have it!
Now you know all of the best things to do in Koh Tao, Thailand, make sure you add this beautiful Island to your travel list and check out our other recommendations of places to visit during your trip to Thailand.
Share this article with your travel buddies too, so they can plan their trip!
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