Things To Do In Koh Tao

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1. Take a Trip to Koh Nang Yuan

Take a Trip to Koh Nang Yuan
4.4 /5

4 km
from city center
1 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Highlights: Hike To The Viewpoint, Snorkeling & Diving, Z (Read More)iplining, Relax On The Beaches

The picturesque island of Koh Nang Yuan is a group of three tiny landforms connected by strips of white sand. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand, Northwest of Koh Tao, just 15 minutes away. The island is lush with vegetation and is surrounded by turquoise-blue waters. The coral blue waters teeming with marine life make the island an excellent diving and snorkeling destination.

2. Hike to John Suwan Viewpoint

Hike to John Suwan Viewpoint
4.6 /5

4 km
from city center
2 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

On the island's southernmost point, John Suwan Viewpoint is considered one of the best observation decks in Koh Tao’s mountains. Flanked by lush tropical jungles and boulders, the several uphill trails towards John Suwan Viewpoint can be hiked in 20 minutes and lead to panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and Chalok Bay to the west, and Sai Daeng Bay and Shark Island to the east.

3. Relax at Sairee Beach

Relax at Sairee Beach

2 km
from city center
3 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Spanning over to a distance of 1.85 kilometers up the West coast of Koh Tao, Sairee Beach is the longest beach in Tao. It is also the busiest beach of Koh Tao flooded with throngs of restaurants, dive centers, bars, cafes, shops and a wide range of accommodation options available easily. This gorgeous beach is ideal for families with children.

4. Watch the Sunrise Overlooing Tanote Bay

Watch the Sunrise Overlooing Tanote Bay
4.4 /5

2 km
from city center
4 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

The sunrise overlooking Tanote Bay can be enjoyed right from the centre of Koh Tao at West Coast Viewpoint from 5:45 AM to 7 AM. Gaze upon charming views of Koh Nang Yuan, Mae Haad Beach, Jansom Bay and Sairee Beach. A short 200-metre dirt road from Tanote Bay hidden behind two leaning boulders on a large flat rock leads to this sunrise viewpoint.

5. Snorkelling in Koh Tao

Snorkelling in Koh Tao
4.5 /5

0 km
from city center
5 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Regarded as the Gulf of Thailand’s best diving site, Koh Tao is ringed by verdant coral reefs having colourful fish. Owing to excellent underwater visibility, snorkelling tours allow one to see tropical fish, turtles, and black tip sharks up close at Freedom Bay, Shark Bay, Aow Leuk Bay and Tao Thong Bay. Snorkelling equipment and guides are available starting at THB 3,000 at Koh Tao’s many PADI-certified diving schools and shops.

6. Scuba Diving in Koh Tao

Scuba Diving in Koh Tao
4.5 /5

2 km
from city center
6 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is situated 55 Kms north of Koh Samui and recently has been developed as a hub of many luxurious hotels and vibrant nightlife. It is famous as the major diving destination in Asia and is home to many popular diving sites, stretching along with the dramatic coral landscapes. Several diving institutions and operators in Koh Tao provide certified scuba diving courses and one-day diving packages with suitable conditions for beginners and children. A few good diving schools are New Way, Scuba Junction, and Simple Life.

7. Explore Koh Tao on a Scooter

Explore Koh Tao on a Scooter
4.3 /5

0 km
from city center
7 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Being only 7 kilometres in length and 3 kilometres wide, Koh Tao island can be easily explored on a scooter. As most roads are not designed for driving fast, a scooter can get one across the island’s beaches, villages and low-lying hills safely. There are many types of scooter rentals available in Koh Tao, with automatic scooters rented out at about THB 300 per day being the easiest to ride.

8. Swim with Sharks at Shark Bay

Swim with Sharks at Shark Bay

4 km
from city center
8 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

The Shark Bay in Koh Tao is a unique and surreal spot popular for snorkeling and spotting the blacktip reef sharks that visit this beach regularly. The Shark Bay Koh Tao is a private bay glistening with white sand and shaded by tall coconut trees which are called ‘Thian’ by the locals. The local name for these trees gives the beach its original name- Thian Og, though the beach is more popularly referred to as by the name of Shark Bay.

9. Chill At Maya Beach Club

Chill At Maya Beach Club

1 km
from city center
9 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Maya Beach Club is one of Koh Tao’s prime lounge haunts on Sairee Beach. They serve some scrumptious food and all types of alcohol throughout the day. The bar looks out to the ocean and offers a spectacular window to the iconic Koh Tao sunset. The club also has a pool table and rents standup paddle boards by the hour, half-day, or full-day. 

10. Sunbathe At Ao Tanote Beach

Sunbathe At Ao Tanote Beach

1 km
from city center
10 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Ao Tanote Beach, located in Surat Thani Province on Koh Tao’s eastern coast, is one of the most popular locations for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach games. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills, thus offering great hiking trails and viewpoints to explore.

11. Relax at Hin Wong Bay

Relax at Hin Wong Bay
4.5 /5

1 km
from city center
11 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

A quiet getaway from the ever-crowded Sairee beach, Hin Wong is a large bay entirely surrounded by boulders. The beach at the Hin Wong Bay is small, cosy and surrounded by rocks. The water is incredibly clear and ideal for snorkelling. People usually visit Hin Wong on scooters or on foot. For accommodation here, there are 2 or 3 seafront resorts and bungalows to choose from, but it is not necessary to stay a night here. Hin Wong is recommended for all snorkelling lovers.

12. Night Parties at the Beach

Night Parties at the Beach
4.7 /5

0 km
from city center
12 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Owing to the pulsating nightlife and bar scene, Koh Tao island’s resident divers and travellers love to party. Alongside delicious local and international food, tasty drinks and cocktails, these night parties at the beach are fueled by live music, local and international DJs, and incredible ocean views. The 3-level BND Beach Bar offers a rooftop lounge, fire shows, live bands and sports screenings, while AC Bar Beach Club and Fishbowl on Sairee beach throw fun-filled pool parties.

13. Rleax At Chalok Baan Kao Bay

Rleax At Chalok Baan Kao Bay

0 km
from city center
13 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Chalok Ban Kao Bay has the third largest beach on Koh Tao and some of the bluest waters in Thailand. Located just north of Taa Toh Bay and Freedom Beach, this isolated strip of sand is devoid of heavy crowds and offers a serene, peaceful environment. Chalok Baan Kao Bay doesn’t have any water sports, but the waters are perfectly safe and shallow if you are a beginner or have children.

14. Thai Massage in Koh Tao

Thai Massage in Koh Tao
4.4 /5

0 km
from city center
14 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Koh Tao has plenty of spas and massage centres for visitors to relax after sightseeing. Drop in for a traditional Thai massage to reduce muscle tension and stress, with the goodness of Ayurvedic principles, acupressure and professionally assisted yoga. You can soak in panoramic sea and jungle vistas for massage sessions starting at THB 200 hourly at Lotus Spa, Paradise Massage, and Majestic Spa.

15. Swimming At Sai Daeng Beach

Swimming At Sai Daeng Beach

3 km
from city center
15 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Located 15 minutes from Mae Haad, Sai Daeng Beach is a strip of warm, white sand lined by palm trees. Set away from the usual cacophony of Koh Tao’s tourist-frequented beaches, Sai Daeng is much quieter and thus ideal for a peaceful getaway. The water here is blue, clear, and warm, thus ideal for kayaking and snorkeling.

16. Visit Wat Koh Tao

Visit Wat Koh Tao
4.6 /5

1 km
from city center
16 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Wat Koh Tao is the only temple of Koh Tao. Here, Buddhism is practised and taught and is also a residing place for monks. The temple lies in the hilly terrain between Sairee and Mae Haad. It was constructed by a Thai Buddhist monk in 1977. The monks residing here impart the theoretical and practical knowledge of Buddhism to anyone who is interested. A few points to remember when you visit this place are - remove your hat and shoes, speak softly, switch off your phone, and don't touch the statue.

17. Swimming At Sai Nuan Beach

Swimming At Sai Nuan Beach

0 km
from city center
17 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Sai Nuan on Koh Tao Island is a group of two beaches, Sai Nuan 1 and Sai Nuan 2. The two beaches are among the most unperturbed locations in Thailand, thus ideal for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The two beaches are connected by a short trail through palm groves on rugged terrains. You can also swim or take a kayak from one shore to the other.

18. Watch A Muay Thai Match

Watch A Muay Thai Match

18 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a favourite combat sport in Thailand. The sport is also often referred to as the art of eight limbs, as it includes the use of one's fists, elbows, knees and shins. It is an adapted form of Thai military martial arts, including ring fighting from the Western style of boxing. Watching Muay Thai match is a popular activity in Koh Tao.

19. Watch the Sunset from Mango Viewpoint

Watch the Sunset from Mango Viewpoint
4.2 /5

2 km
from city center
19 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

A short scooter ride away from Sairee beach, Mango Viewpoint boasts captivating sunset views and is very popular among hikers for its well-paved trail. Up the lush hill that also leads to the other Sunset Viewpoint nearby, Mango viewpoint overlooks Koh Tao’s entire western coastline. There is a juice bar and restaurant here with waterfront lounges.

20. Island Hopping in Koh Tao

Island Hopping in Koh Tao
4.3 /5

0 km
from city center
20 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Savour an exhilarating escape from the city bustle and venture in to Thailand's tropical paradise aboard a speedboat with Koh Tao island hopping tours. The island is ringed by smaller uninhabited islets with ravishing tropics, native fauna and tranquil blond beaches. One can visit Koh Mudsum, Koh Wua Talap, Koh Taen, as well as Ang Thong Marine Park for half or full-day island hopping tours in Koh Tao.

21. Enjoy the Nightlife in Koh Tao

Enjoy the Nightlife in Koh Tao
4.5 /5

0 km
from city center
21 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s best party islands. A popular area for enjoying the nightlife on Koh Tao is Sairee beach, with live music, international DJs and beach bars. In addition, there is cabaret, craft beer, native cocktails like Sangsom Buckets, sports bars and fire shows on Pirate Bay, Shark Bay and Lotus Beach. Make a stop at Maya Beach Club, Coco Bar, The Beer Masons, Good Vibe Bar, and Queen’s Cabaret.

22. Visit King Rama V Rock and Statue

Visit King Rama V Rock and Statue
4.3 /5

2 km
from city center
22 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

It is a boulder with the King Chulalongkorn Rama V's initials which the local residents worship. In 1899, King Chulalongkorn Rama V, known as the greatest and most beloved king of Thailand, had come here and had his initials carved on a large boulder. Since then, this place became a place of worship for the residents as well as the visitors. It is located at the Jor Por Ror bay, next to the Sairee beach.

23. Kayaking in Koh Tao

Kayaking in Koh Tao
4.5 /5

0 km
from city center
23 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Kayaking is a great way to explore Koh Tao’s less accessible bays, especially around the eastern and southern coastlines. The gentle seas here allow one to embark on their adventurous self-manned sea kayaking trips, offering spectacular vistas of the island and ocean. Turtles, rays and colourful fish are frequently spotted too. It is a beginner-friendly watersport, and kayaks can be rented at most beaches here, such as Shark Bay and Freedom Bay.

24. Marvel at Yaai Mae and Taa Tao Spirit Rocks

Marvel at Yaai Mae and Taa Tao Spirit Rocks
4.2 /5

0 km
from city center
24 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Hin Yaai Mae and Hin Taa Tao are two massive boulder-like formations located at the Chaalok Ban Kao Bay. Spiritually of great significance to the local populace, these two rocks are worshipped by the local inhabitants, who consider them to be Gods protecting them from natural disasters and bad luck. Tourists can take a kayak around the bay to see this Koh Tao attraction.

25. Stand Up Paddling in Koh Tao

Stand Up Paddling in Koh Tao
4.6 /5

0 km
from city center
25 out of 25
Things To Do in Koh Tao

Stand-up paddling is a safe and popular way to spend some relaxing time out on the water with incredible views of Koh Tao island and its beaches. Famous beaches for setting out to stand-up paddle include Koh Nang Yuan, Sairee Beach, Shark Island and Chalok Bay, where plenty of sports shops rent paddle boards at hourly rates. Sunset paddle sessions are recommended.

FAQs on Koh Tao

What are the top sightseeing places in Koh tao?

The top sightseeing places in Koh tao are Hin Wong Bay, Koh Nang Yuang Island Viewpoint, Yaai Mae and Taa Tao Spirit rocks, Wat Koh Tao , King Rama V Rock and Statue, Scuba Diving .

How can I commute within Koh tao?

Walking around on foot in Koh Tao is the best way to explore the island. Taxis are available too, but they are a rather expensive option. Another alternative is motorbike and cycle rentals. The mountainous geography of the island makes travelling across it rather time-consuming and arduous, so make sure you account for that in your plans.
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