What to Do in Koh Tao: 11 Epic Plans

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Updated: 18 January, 2025

This is a complete guide that includes what to do in Koh Tao, how to get there, when to go, where to stay and lots of practical information.

Koh Tao is the smallest of the 3 islands in the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui and Koh Phangan) and is well connected by ferry from the other islands and the mainland.

The greatest attraction of this island is its paradisiacal beaches of white sand and crystal clear water that hide a great treasure, abundant and varied marine life.

For this reason, Koh Tao Sea has become the mecca of diving in Thailand, it even holds the world record for most annual Padi certifications.

Likewise, I can tell you that Koh Tao is much more than diving.

In this article I tell you in detail what to do in Koh Tao to fully enjoy this wonderful island that you will fall in love with, everything based on my experience of living on the island for 6 months. 🥰

How many days to go to Koh Tao?

It is easy to recommend a number of days for other destinations in the country of smiles.

But when it comes to Koh Tao it can vary a lot depending, basically, on whether you are interested in getting a diving qualification (PADI or SSI) or you just want to go sightseeing.

So if you are going to make a diving course in Koh Tao, like the diving master, you will need to stay for at least 5 weeks.

The good news is that you will find cheaper accommodation on Koh Tao if you rent by the month.

On the other hand, to do the open water in Koh Tao between 5 and 7 days will be enough to enjoy the diving course and also have time to visit the island.

If diving is not your thing or you just want to do some diving (fundives) then I recommend going for at least 3 days.

Although many people take 1-day tours to Koh Tao from Koh Phanghan or Koh Samui, 1 day is not enough to enjoy everything this spectacular island has to offer.

As you can see, I want to be impartial with this island that was my home for 6 months. 😍

What to do in Koh Tao 3 days? – 11 ideas

1. Diving in Koh Tao

If you want to take a diving course in Thailand, Turtle Island is the best place to do it because:

• The average water temperature is 29 degrees and never drops below 26, which is why it is ideal for diving all year round.
• Has 25 dive points, including: Chumphon Pinnacles, Sail Rock, White Rock, Japanese Garden and the wreck of the HTMS Sattakut.
• The variety of marine life is very wide and depending on the time of year you can see whale sharks.
• You can get PADI or SSI certified, both are internationally recognized certifications.
• If you don't want to get certified and are only looking to do specific dives (fundive), there are many options.
• There are a wide variety of diving schools in Koh Tao with competitive prices, located in different areas of the island and many have courses in Spanish.

This is one of the best diving schools on the island, you can book here:

• The diving baptism with them, if you want to have a first experience.
• You can also make a diving dive in Koh Tao (fun dive), one of the most beautiful seabeds on the planet.
• Or else, this open water diving course (Open Water).

They all have a discount at this time and are with an instructor in Spanish.

🐬 In this article you can read more about Diving in Koh Tao: courses in Spanish and prices – 2023, with advice on choosing a school and lots of practical information.

2. Snorkeling in Koh Tao

If you visit this island you cannot miss snorkeling, it is also a very cheap activity.

If you don't have goggles and a tube, you can rent for only 100 bahts, if not you can buy a snorkelling set in one of the shops on Sairee beach from 250 bahts.

In addition to the colorful coral fish, you can see turtles, reef sharks, blacktip, striped krait (sea snake), pufferfish, lionfish, blue-spotted stingray, and huge titan triggerfish.

The 3 best beaches for snorkeling are:

• Shark Bay – TOP: Without a doubt the best beach on Koh Tao for snorkeling, there every day you can see reef sharks and turtles, as well as a wide variety of fish. To go to Shark Bay or Shark Bay you can do it from the beach that belongs to the Haad Tien beach resort Koh Tao and they charge 200 baht for access (unless you are staying at the resort), including use of bathrooms and wifi.
• Tanote Bay: It is a free beach in the southeastern part of the island, with easy access by road although with quite steep sections. On this beach, just a short distance from the shore, you will find many corals and fish, including puffer fish that live under the corals. There is also a deeper area where you can go freediving and see moray eels and other deeper water fish.
• Japanese garden: The Japanese garden is one of the most beautiful spots for snorkeling and diving due to its variety of corals, hence the name. Additionally, it is easy to see reef sharks and very large titan triggerfish. This snorkelling site is located in Koh Nang Yuan, it is the small island in front of Koh Tao. To get there you can do it by renting a long tail boat, a kayak or with an excursion. In the next point I will tell you more about the excursion to Koh Nang Yuan.

If you don't want to complicate things, there are excursions to the best beaches on Koh Tao so you can relax in the sun like a lizard or enjoy snorkeling.

This link excursion includes transportation, snorkelling kit, lunch and cocktail. What more could you want? 😄

⭐ You may also be interested in this other article about 7 Best Koh Tao Beaches for Snorkeling, where I talk in detail about each one.

3. Koh Nang Yuan

Koh Nang Yuan is one of those must-see excursions from Koh Tao. If you have ever seen the photo below when they were talking about Koh Tao, it is actually the Koh Nang Yuan viewing point.

You will need at least half a day to take the required photos from the viewpoint and other points of great beauty on the island, its beautiful beaches and swimming in the Japanese garden.

In addition, there is a restaurant where you can have a drink, eat, rent sun loungers and umbrellas.

The island is private, belongs to the Lomprayah ferry company and now the access price for foreigners is 200 baht.

To visit the island, bring your own snorkeling kit and good shoes for the climb to the viewpoint.

Most of the climb to the viewpoint is easy by stairs, except for the last section where you have to climb the rocks, it is not very difficult but Hawaiian-type flip-flops are not the best option.

How to go to Koh Nang Yuan? – 3 options

• Kayak: Although it is not recommended unless you are in shape, also keep in mind that on Koh Tao the weather can change very quickly and you could be in trouble if you get caught in a tropical storm.
• long tail boat: They are typical Thai boats. You can talk directly to the man on the boat if you go to the Mae Haad beach area, they asked me for 2,000 bahts. The price is per boat, if you go with more people it may cost you more.
• snorkeling excursion: the most popular way to visit is with a full day snorkeling excursion like the one on the link which is very cheap, which takes you to Koh Nang Yuan and other points of Koh Tao. It includes a visit to Mango Bay, which is difficult to access by road, basically because there is no road and the road is quite dangerous. Plus, the boat has a fun slide! 😁💦

Another option is to spend a night in the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort.

Although it is the only accommodation on the island, its prices are very good, staying there will allow you to enjoy the island without so many tourists.

4. Two View – best viewpoint on Koh Tao

This is the best viewpoint on Isla Tortuga, there are 2 viewpoints, each one at different points of the island.

It's a fairly easy hiking route from Monsoon Muay Thai Gym (google maps link) to the first viewpoint, it is about 45 minutes walk.

There is a stretch of road, but the rest is on a dirt road in a very beautiful wooded area, that's why Don't forget to bring a good mosquito repellent.

The first viewpoint is known as West Coast viewpoint, because it faces the west side of the island and You can see the entire Sairee beach and part of Koh Nang Yuan.

Then to the second viewpoint it is about 15 more minutes of walking, this viewpoint It is known as Tanote Peak because it faces the east side of the island and can be seen from Tanote Bay to Shark Island (Shark island).

On clear days you can also see Koh Phanghan.

If hiking isn't your thing, you can also motorbike up half the route along the road from Monsoon Gym to Koh Tao Two View Restaurant (google maps).

Usually a few meters from the restaurant there is a woman who charges to go to the Two Viewpoint, although the mountain is not private property nor is the road. 😉

I took the route early in the morning and the lady was not there yet, so I don't know how much she charges to go through.

This hiking route is well worth it for the views, you can watch the video below that I filmed with the GoPro:

5. John-Suwan Viewpoint

The John Suwan viewpoint is located in the southern part of the island and has magnificent views of Chalok Bay and Shark Bay.

To access the area they charge 100 baht, which also includes access to Freedom beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Tao for its white sands. You can take advantage and combine both visits.

I have to warn you that the climb to John-Suwan viewpoint It is a bit steep and with some rocky areas to climb, but in the most complicated areas there are ropes that help a lot.

The climb is not very complicated, although a minimum of physical condition is needed.

In addition, it will be good for you to bring plenty of water and shoes with good grip.

I was glad I went with my hiking sandals like the ones in the link ✌😅 or like these others for men.

6. Climbing

When people think about going climbing in Thailand, there are two most popular destinations: the Chiang Mai area and Krabi.

Koh Tao, despite being an island of only 21 km², It has many climbing routes throughout the island.

In addition, it has routes for different levels, whether you want to start or have a very pro level.

As my level of climbing according to experts is beginner (disastrous from my point of view 😅😂) I won't tell you much more, why I only saw the difficult routes in photos. 😆

But if you get the climbing bug and want to know more, I'll leave you a link to one climbing guide on Koh Tao by Good Time Thailand.

They organize different types of adventure activities on the island and also rent climbing equipment.

7. Muay Thai in Koh Tao

Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the national sport.

In Thailand many children and not so children dream of becoming professional wrestlers.

Therefore, you will find Muay Thai gyms in any corner of the land of smiles.

The tiny island of Koh Tao is no exception, if you want to train I recommend the Monsoon gym.

In addition to Muay Thai classes, they have a weight room, teach Jiu Jitsu and HIIT.

Also have Muay Thai camps in Koh Tao, with unlimited access to your classes and accommodation.

East of 1 week is the most popular With a truly ridiculous price, it is just over 20 euros a day.

The best thing is the good atmosphere in this gym.

They also have 2-week and 1-month camp options, you can see options here.

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about What is Muay Thai? – 5 Muay Thai Gyms in Chiang Mai or this other one of the 4 Best Muay Thai Camps in Thailand.

8. Circus (flying trapeze, fabrics and others)

If you like different activities, I tell you that in Sairee, the school is located Flying Trapeze where they give classes to artists with circus experience and do retreats.

But they also have classes for inexperienced people to try the flying trapeze.

An experience that unfortunately I was not able to try, they were closed due to the restrictions of the pandemic.

If you have never tried trapeze and want an experience with pure adrenaline, I recommend it. The class lasts 1 hour and a half, costs 1,250 bahts (33 euros), and is suitable for adults and children.

9. Sunset on Koh Tao

Thai sunsets are spectacular and you can find different spots throughout the island to have a Chang and enjoy that gift of nature.

My favorite places to watch the sunset in Koh Tao:

• Sairee beach: Sairee beach is one of the best places, and there are plenty of beach bars (bars on the beach) to have a drink. Then, some have a fire juggling show in the style of Koh Phangan's Moon Party. This is something not to be missed!
• sunset beach: the name says it all, beach, sunset, haha. It is also known as June Juea Bay where you will find a bar to enjoy the sunset. Also, that beach is a good place to snorkel and see turtles in the afternoon (they go there for tea time 🐢😅, like at 5 pm, no joke!) in case you want to take advantage of the visit.

10. Best beaches

Although saying which are the best beaches on Koh Tao is difficult, I will tell you which are my 4 favorite beaches:

• Freedom beach: a spectacular small beach in the south of the island. The only bad thing is that they charge 100 bahts to enter, but you can take the opportunity to go to the John-Suwan viewpoint that I told you about above in point 5.
• Sairee beach: Although this is the main beach on the island and can be very crowded at times, it is very beautiful and worth a visit.
• Haad Tien beach: in my opinion, the most beautiful beach on Koh Tao for postcard photos. But it is a private beach and you have to pay 200 baht to enter unless you are staying at the resort.
• Koh Nang Yuan: This is the island opposite Koh Tao. Sorry, I repeat myself like garlic. 😅 But I had to mention it because it is one of the best beaches. Koh Nang Yuan has 3 beaches, the best is the one in front of the Japanese garden, it is really beautiful.

⭐ You may also be interested in this other article about 9 Best Beaches in Thailand, of course Koh Nang Yuan is included.

11. Nightlife

If you are looking for nightlife, Koh Tao is probably not the best place, nor does it compare to the partying of Koh Phanghan or Koh Samui, but there are several options.

Especially in the Sairee area there are music bars for dancing and also some nightclubs with ladyboy cabaret shows.

Although it is more relaxed than on other more party islands, the atmosphere is very good.

When to go to Koh Tao?

The weather on Koh Tao is divided into 3 seasons:

• Hot and dry: from February to May
• Hot and windy: From May to October
• Wet: from October to February

Although many people wonder when is the best time to travel to Thailand, the truth is that it depends a lot on the area you want to visit.

Because while it is monsoon season in the Andaman area (Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi) it is a good time in the Gulf of Thailand area.

On Koh Tao the heavy rain season It is during the months of October and November, which is when they can even cut the ferries for an entire day. But it is something that maybe happens twice at most during the monsoon season.

Although it may seem like a bad time, it is when you see the most whale sharks. Also, it does not mean that it will be raining all day (it can also happen) sometimes it is a rain that lasts a few hours and the sun comes out again.

The rainy season has the advantage that the heat is not as oppressive as in the dry season and is a way of travel to thailand cheap because generally the prices are cheaper.

How to get to Koh Tao?

Koh Tao does not have an airport and the only way to get there is by ferry, either from the mainland (Chumphon or Surat Thani) or from the other islands (Koh Phangan and Koh Samui).

Before there were several ferry companies that operated this route, since the pandemic it is only with Lomprayah.

Keep in mind that sometimes if there are not enough people, some trips are made by speed boats.

👍 Friendly Tip: The speed boats move so much that when you get on they give you a plastic bag in case you need it. 🤢 If you get dizzy, take some motion sickness pill and don't sit at the end of the boat, it smells a lot like fuel and makes it more dizzy. 🥴

Where to buy ferry tickets to Koh Tao?

To see the ferries to Koh Tao and other areas of Thailand I recommend use this website, where you can see all the possible options and combinations.

In addition, you can book tickets directly with them without having to travel and if you have questions or any inconvenience, their customer service department is very efficient and they respond quite quickly.

Alternatively, you can use the search engine below:

⭐ You may also be interested in this article where I talk in detail about How to get to Koh Tao: all the alternatives.

How to get around Koh Tao?

The most common ways to get around the island are by:

1. Motorcycling Routes: a practical and cheap way with scooters starting at 250 baht per day, but it is an option only suitable for those who know how to drive a motorcycle because the roads are not in the best condition.
2. Walking: the island is very small and you can reach many places by walking, for that I recommend staying in Sairee or near shark bay, where the best beaches are.
3. Taxi: It is a slightly expensive option, if you are going to use a taxi, negotiate the price before getting in. To give you an idea, a normal price from Sairee to Shark Bay is 350 baht.
4. Vans: many hotels have free vans, if you don't want to walk or rent a motorbike, it may be a good idea to choose a hotel that has this service, such as the luxurious Haad Tien Resort next to shark bay.

Where to stay in Koh Tao?

On Koh Tao you will find different types of accommodation, from resorts with all the comforts, including a private beach, cabins at the top of the mountain with dream views and bungalows in the middle of nature.

And if it comes to budget, don't worry because there are options for all budgets. These are the best hotels in Koh Tao that I can recommend:

• Cheap: Aiya Resort Koh Tao Comfortable and clean rooms within walking distance of Sairee beach.
• Half: Taatoh Resort with comfortable rooms with sea views and a very good breakfast.
• Luxury: Sun Villas Koh Tao They are spectacular villas with private pools and sea views.

Final Thoughts

These are the best things to do on Koh Tao, an island that will make you fall in love with its incredible beaches, abundant marine life and watching beautiful sunsets while relaxing with some Chang or a fresh coconut. You will not regret!

In this guide to Thailand you can keep reading the main articles I’ve written about this beautiful country.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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