The best thing to do on Koh Tao is to take the first water taxi to Koh Nang Yuan, hike up to the viewpoint above the sandbar, and snorkel before the day boats arrive. Afterwards, it's recommended to swim with turtles early in the morning in Shark Bay, hike up to the John Suwan viewpoint overlooking the southern bays, snorkel off Aow Leuk and Tanote, and enjoy the sunset and fire shows on Sairee.

Most visitors come to learn to dive. If you're one of them, an open water course costs around 11,000–12,500 baht and lasts three to four days. However, you don't need a certificate to enjoy the island, as the most beautiful spots are just a mask and fins away. Below you'll find a ranking of eighteen activities, each with its price and opening times, a comparison of snorkeling bays and viewpoints, tips for monsoon season activities, and advice on what you can safely skip.

Accommodation in Koh Tao

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My picks in every price category on Koh Tao

  • Jamahkiri Diving Resort & Spa · Luxury · 5 stars · 4.2 (637)
  • Sai Daeng ResortMid-range · 4 stars · 4.4 (1,265)
  • Blue Tao Beach Hotel - Koh Tao · Budget · 3 stars · 4.5 (317)

    • Key facts

    Bring cash for the entrance fees.

    Koh Nang Yuan costs 250 baht (children 120 baht), John-Suwan about 100 baht (payable in two installments), Mango Bay about 100 baht (by land), Freedom Beach about 50 baht, and Love Koh Tao 20 baht (without drinks). ATM withdrawals with foreign cards cost 250–350 baht.

    Early morning snorkeling

    Early in the morning the water is calmest and the turtles are closest, and the reef sharks of Shark Bay are most frequently sighted before about 9:00 a.m. Later in the day, the boats that circumnavigate the islands arrive, and the best bays fill up.

    Boats beat the mountain roads

    Water taxis reach the remote bays, which are difficult to access by road. The trip from Mae Haad to Tanote costs about 150–200 baht, and the round trip from Sairee to Koh Nang Yuan costs about 250–300 baht per person. A snorkeling excursion takes you to five bays.

    Think twice about getting a scooter.

    Scooters cost around 200–300 baht per day, but the roads are steep and concrete, there's sand in the bends, and the roads to the bays on the east coast are even bumpier. The island is only about 7.5 km long, so taxis and water taxis cover the entire area.

    The season lasts from February to September.

    February is the driest month at the Ko Samui weather station, with 64 mm of rainfall over approximately four days. November is the wettest month, with 445 mm of rainfall over approximately sixteen days.

    Four nights are enough for that.

    That's one day for Koh Nang Yuan and Sairee, one day on a snorkeling boat, one day for the south coast, and a reserve day for bad weather. Allow four more days for an open water diving course.

    The 18 best things to do on Koh Tao

    The order is based on how important each activity would be to me for someone without a diving course during a first four-day visit. Divers can include the boat trips in the same list.

  • 1. Koh Nang Yuan, off the northwest coast, about a 15-minute boat ride away. Postcard-perfect: three small islands connected by a white sandbar. A short, steep, and rocky climb leads to the viewpoint featured on every Koh Tao postcard. It looks exactly like the photos, and the snorkeling off the sandbar is so good you'll want to jump right in after the climb. Entry costs 250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children. Staff check bags for plastic bottles, which are not allowed, so fill up a reusable bottle beforehand. The island is privately owned. Day visitors must leave in the afternoon, and the stated closing times vary, so ask about the last departure time when you board the boat. Take the first boat before the day trips from Samui and Phangan arrive. The Koh Nang Yuan guide will organize the boats, the rules, the snorkeling, and an overnight stay at the resort. Getting there: By water taxi from Sairee, approximately 250–300 baht per person (round trip; more expensive from Mae Haad Pier), or as part of a snorkeling excursion. Best time to go: The first boat in the morning.
  • 2. Turtles in Shark Bay, South Coast, between Chalok Baan Kao and Sai Daeng. Turtles and Reef Sharks: Ao Thian Og, Shark Bay, is a snorkeling paradise where you can see green sea turtles grazing in the shallows and small, shy blacktip reef sharks right off the beach. Many snorkelers don't see a shark, and that's perfectly normal. Please never chase or touch the turtles. Most visitors access the bay via the Haad Tien Beach Resort, which charges about 200 baht per person. Free access is via the small public beach about 250 meters to the west, however, swimming there can be strenuous in rough seas. Wear water shoes, as the beach consists of coral rubble and rocks. Getting there: About 15 minutes by taxi from Sairee, then down the steep road. Best time to go: Before 9:00 a.m. on a calm day. Shark Bay 4.1 (1,506) Directions
  • 3. Learn to dive or try a Discover Scuba Diving experience: Dive schools are located all along the west coast. Why most people come: Koh Tao is one of the world's most popular diving destinations. An Open Water course lasts three to four days and costs around 11,000–12,500 baht, often including accommodation. A Discover Scuba Diving experience is a day with an instructor to a maximum depth of 12 meters. Certified divers dive to Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock, both of which reach depths of around 45 meters, where whale sharks can sometimes be spotted. My dive guide compares the schools and dive sites, so I won't repeat that information here. Getting there: Each school operates its own boats from Sairee, Mae Haad, or Chalok. Best time to visit: February to September for the clearest water.
  • 4. John Suwan Lookout and Freedom Beach, the southern tip: The view across the two bays is breathtaking. A short, strenuous climb through the jungle and over rocks leads to a rocky outcrop above the southern tip of the island. On one side lies Chalok Baan Kao, on the other Shark Bay. The path is steep enough that flip-flops are unsuitable, but it is mostly shaded. There is an entrance fee of approximately 50 baht at the entrance to Freedom Beach and along the trail itself. Freedom Beach is a small, quiet bay with good snorkeling close to shore, so it's recommended to climb first and then swim. Getting there: Walk from Chalok Baan Kao through Freedom Beach. Best time to go: Early morning or at sunset, never at midday. John Suwan Lookout: 4.7 (3,466), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 5. Snorkeling Trip Around the Island: Five bays in one day – the easiest way to explore the bays, as there are no roads or only poor ones. The classic day trip includes stops at Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Hin Wong, Aow Leuk, and Shark Bay. Lunch on board, as well as masks and fins, are included. Please check if the Koh Nang Yuan fee is included in the price, as it is sometimes charged on the day of the tour. During peak season, it is recommended to book one or two days in advance. Getting there: Hotel pick-up is included with most excursions. Best time to go: On quiet days from February to September. SangThong Tours Koh Tao 4.6 (352) Daily 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Getting there
  • 6. Sunset and Fire Shows at Sairee Beach, West Coast: The convivial evening on Koh Tao's long sandy beach (approx. 1.85 km) is lined with dive schools, bars, and restaurants. The calm, shallow waters and the sunset over the sea invite you to linger. Everyone comes here to enjoy the sunset, and you can rent a paddleboard for the last hour of the day. After nightfall, the beach bars offer spectacular fire shows. The Lotus Beach Bar, open from 3:00 PM to midnight, is the most famous, and the Fishbowl Bar stays open until 2:00 AM. Getting there: Accessible on foot from almost anywhere on the west coast or by taxi from Mae Haad Pier. Best time to go: About an hour before sunset. Sairee Beach: 4.4 (864) Directions
  • 7. Ao Leuk, southeast coast, north of Shark Bay. Coral reefs just a minute from the beach. A small, sheltered bay where you can wade over coral reefs teeming with fish in under a minute – no boat required. The beach is small, the water is the main attraction, so plan to spend half a day there. Entry costs around 100 baht, including a sun lounger and a drink. Bring your own snorkeling mask if you have one. Getting there: By taxi from Mae Haad. The road down is steep. Best time to go: In the morning, before the snorkeling boats depart. Ao Leuk 4.2 (3,166) Directions
  • 8. Tanote Bay and the Cliff Dive, East Coast: Snorkeling and cliff diving. A sheltered bay surrounded by rocks, with coral and fish, just a few strokes from the beach. It's the easiest bay to reach on the east coast. The cliff dive in the bay is the island's most famous diving spot: about 5 meters deep into the water. So be sure to check the depth and watch someone else jump first. A few restaurants and bungalows provide a relaxed atmosphere, and it's significantly quieter than the west coast. Getting there: By water taxi from Mae Haad for about 150–200 baht or via the steep road over the hill. Best time to go: In the morning when the water is illuminated. Tanote Bay: 4.6 (1,261), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 9. Mango Bay and Mango Viewpoint, the northern tip: Sunset from above. Ao Mamuang is the only beach on the north coast, a short stretch of sand with a reef on either side of the bay and some of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Every boat that circumnavigates the island stops here. The viewpoint above is an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset. It's a 40- to 60-minute uphill walk from Sairee and costs about 100 baht, including a drink. The boat ride to the bay also costs about 100 baht, and the road ends at a long flight of stairs, so I recommend taking the boat to the bay and saving your legs for the viewpoint. Getting there: Take a water taxi from Sairee to the bay, or walk or take a boat to the viewpoint. Best time to go: Quiet morning hours for the bay, the last hour of daylight for the viewpoint. Mango Bay: 3.5 (1,573) Directions
  • 10. Sunrise at Love Koh Tao, above Tanote Bay, on the east side. This café with a viewpoint is located on a hill overlooking Tanote Bay and offers two or three photo platforms. It faces east, making it an ideal spot to experience the sunrise. It opens at 6:00 AM, which is about the best time to arrive. There's an entrance fee of 20 baht per person if you don't buy anything, so most visitors order a drink. The road up is very steep, so park further down if you're not confident driving a scooter. Getting there: Take a taxi or scooter over the hill towards Tanote. Best time to visit: Sunrise. Closes at 6:30 PM. Love Koh Tao 4.2 (899) Daily 6:00 AM–6:30 PM. Directions
  • 11. Haad Sai Nuan and the Coastal Trail, Southwest Coast between Mae Haad and Chalok. A hike with swimming opportunities. Two small, quiet coves with calm water and good snorkeling among the rocks, accessible via an approximately 1 km long path or by water taxi. This beach is my recommendation for a relaxing afternoon on the west coast. It's also located on the island's most beautiful hiking trail, the coastal path from Mae Haad to Chalok Baan Kao, about 5–6 km past Jansom Bay and Sai Nuan. The hike takes two to four hours with swimming breaks. Getting there: On foot from Mae Haad or Chalok, or by water taxi. Best time to go: Start early, bring water and sturdy shoes. Haad Sai Nuan 4.5 (342) Directions
  • 12. Muay Thai at Monsoon Gym, Sairee: Training between dives. Monsoon Gym is Koh Tao's premier Muay Thai studio, located in the heart of Sairee. It offers group classes led by Thai instructors, private lessons, and its own fight nights in its in-house ring. Individual lessons and monthly memberships are available. It's open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Island Muay Thai, a little further north in Sairee, is the second studio and is open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed Sundays). Plan sufficient time between sparring and diving, and inform your instructor when you'll be training. Getting there: Within walking distance of anywhere in Sairee. Best time to visit: Morning training followed by a visit to the beach. Monsoon Gym & Fight Club: 4.5 (323), daily 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Directions.
  • 13. Thai Cooking with Joy, near Sairee. A rainy afternoon. A small-group cooking school teaching authentic Thai dishes—no watered-down versions, but true classics. The course begins with selecting the ingredients. Perfect for a day when the sea is too rough for boats. Classes are small and fill up quickly, so it's recommended to book in advance through the school's website and allow a few hours. Getting there: A short taxi ride from Sairee. Best time to go: Anytime, especially in good weather. Thai Cooking with Joy 5.0 (732) Directions
  • 14. The hike to Laem Thian on the east coast, below the hill above Sairee. A hike to a secluded cove. A small bay with no road, accessible through shady jungle or by kayak. Behind the beach are the ruins of an abandoned resort. Here you'll find some of the quietest snorkeling spots on the island. Allow at least an hour each way, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. Visitors come for the hike and the secluded water, not the sand. Getting there: On foot from the hill above Sairee. Best time to go: In the morning, before the worst of the heat. Laem Thian: 4.5 (74) Directions
  • 15. Climbing, Mae Haad – A day away from the water: Koh Tao offers numerous climbing opportunities on its granite cliffs. Goodtime Adventures organizes climbing and diving from a single counter, which is especially advantageous in rough seas. A half-day is ideal for a dive or an excursion beforehand. Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Advance booking is recommended between November and April. Getting there: Within walking distance of Mae Haad Pier or a short taxi ride from Sairee. Best time to go: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun. Goodtime Adventures | Diving, Snorkeling & Climbing 5.0 (1,589) Daily 9:00 am–6:00 pm Getting there
  • 16. Freediving courses, schools around Sairee and Chalok: Diving with just one breath. The more relaxed alternative to scuba diving: Learn to freedive with just one breath while suspended from a line. Koh Tao offers several specialized freediving schools. A beginner's course lasts one to two days and concludes with apnea exercises lasting a few minutes and dives to a depth of 10–15 meters. Best time to travel: February to September, when the water is calm and clear.
  • 17. Sunset at Aow June Juea, south coast west of Chalok. Peaceful sunset swimming. A small cove with crystal-clear water, soft sand, and snorkeling right from the beach. Visitors consider it one of the island's most beautiful sunset beaches. A beachfront café rents snorkeling gear and kayaks. The final stretch down is steep and can be navigated by scooter or on foot, so caution is advised. Directions: Signposted from the main road west of Chalok. Best time to visit: Late afternoon until sunset. Aow June Juea 4.6 (626) Open daily. Directions
  • 18. Ao Hin Wong, East Coast, north of Tanote: Rocks and clear water. The bay, with its rounded rocks, is a rugged cove without a proper beach, featuring a small sandbar and clear, calm water teeming with reef fish. It's a popular stop on snorkeling trips around the islands. There's an entrance fee for those arriving by land. Getting there: By boat or via a steep, winding road from Mae Haad. Best time to visit: Morning, for the best light. Ao Hin Wong 4.1 (770) Open 24 hours daily. Directions

    • Koh Tao: Sights, prices and opening hours at a glance

    Opening hours are taken from Google listings for the respective locations in our records and may change on Thai public holidays. Entrance fees are collected in cash and are subject to change without notice; the information above is therefore the most up-to-date.

    The best snorkeling spots on Koh Tao, bay by bay

    Koh Tao offers the best snorkeling conditions in the Gulf of Mexico, and most snorkeling spots are right off the beach. For turtles and reef sharks, a visit to Shark Bay in the early morning is recommended. Coral reefs just off small beaches are easiest to find at Aow Leuk and Tanote, while Aow June Juea and Haad Sai Nuan on the west coast are quieter spots. Hin Wong and Mango Bay are rockier and the water is clearer; they are best reached by boat. The reef at Koh Nang Yuan lies just off the sandbar.

    Sai Daeng Resort rents kayaks for a short paddling trip to Shark Island, a small rocky islet off the south coast teeming with coral and fish. Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching the coral with your feet, and plan your trip for a calm morning, as the water becomes murky on a cloudy, drizzly afternoon.

    Viewpoints on Koh Tao, from sunrise to sunset

    Koh Tao offers a viewpoint overlooking almost every bay, and the trick is finding the right angle for the prevailing light. The "Love Koh Tao" viewpoint is located east of Tanote and opens at 6:00 AM – ideal for sunrise. The "John-Suwan" viewpoint is suitable for both times of day, overlooking the two southern bays below. Sunset can be enjoyed from the "Mango Viewpoint" above Sairee, and the "Aow June Juea" viewpoint offers a fantastic sunset view from the beach.

    The viewpoint on Koh Nang Yuan is the most famous, but it's only accessible during the day unless you're staying at one of the island's resorts. The West Coast Viewpoint, open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, is quieter and offers the best views in the early morning. All viewpoints are reached via steep cliffs, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

    Things to do on Koh Tao in the rain

    Koh Tao is located on the Gulf of Mexico, so its rainy season lasts from October to December – the opposite of Phuket. The weather station on Koh Samui, the nearest with long-term records, registers an average of 295 mm of rainfall in October, 445 mm in November, and 263 mm in December. During this time, rough seas and boat trips are possible. In July, however, only about 117 mm of rain falls, and the island is well-visited during the European summer.

    On a rainy day, I would book a cooking class with Joy, attend a morning class at Monsoon Gym or Island Muay Thai, take a yoga class at Koh Tao Yoga, or treat myself to a massage. While diving courses do run during the monsoon, it's the worst time to plan a trip to the Pinnacles, as visibility is severely reduced.

    The best-rated hotels in Koh Tao

    Here is my ranking of the 10 best hotels in Koh Tao. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com, where you have already entered your travel dates.

  • #1 Assava Diving Koh Tao | PADI 5* CDC Dive Center & Beach Hotel Resort, Thailand 4.9 (2,642 reviews) A dive center with on-site accommodation in the quieter southern bay of Koh Tao, ideal for those wanting to get their diving certification. Check prices
  • #6 Sunrise Koh Tao 4.6 (328 reviews) A renowned resort just steps from Maehaad Pier, ideal for divers and island explorers on Koh Tao. Check prices
  • #9 Nomads Koh Tao Hostel 4.5 (320 reviews) A highly-rated hostel on Koh Tao, ideally suited as a sociable base for divers and island explorers. Check prices

    • Things to do in Koh Tao at night

    The nights here begin on Sairee. Enjoy the sunset with a drink and then stay for the fire shows that start at the beach bars after dark. The Lotus Beach Bar is the most famous. The Koh Tao Pub Crawl meets at Chopper's Sports Bar on Sairee around 6:00 PM on certain evenings, and Queen's Cabaret offers a show every night starting at 9:30 PM.

    For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, you can catch a fight night at the Monsoon Gym (advertisements are plastered all over the island) or, if you have a diving certificate, book a night dive. My Koh Tao nightlife list includes bars ranging from beach lounges to trendy clubs.

    Things to do in Koh Tao with children

    Koh Tao is ideal for families who enjoy being in the water. The sea off Sairee is calm and shallow almost all year round, and the Taa Toh lagoon in Chalok Baan Kao Bay offers ample shelter for less experienced swimmers. Children can snorkel over coral from the beach at Aow Leuk, and on Koh Nang Yuan, the entrance fee for a child is 120 baht.

    A cooking class and a paddleboard tour on Sairee make for a relaxing afternoon. Avoid taking a scooter with children on the back, as the hills are steep and the curves sandy; use taxis and water taxis instead.

    What you should skip

    Avoid Koh Nang Yuan at midday when the boats from Samui and Phangan arrive and the sandbank is overcrowded. It's best to go first thing in the morning, or not at all. The trip to Mango Bay and Hin Wong is also not recommended unless you are confident riding a scooter, as the roads are steep and bumpy, and the boat trip is significantly more comfortable.

    Don't plan a diving trip between October and December, the Gulf monsoon season, as visibility is poor and the boats don't operate. And in Shark Bay, please don't chase the turtles or climb onto the coral for photos. The bay only thrives because visitors leave it undisturbed.

    How many days and where should you stay overnight?

    Four nights is ideal for most non-divers. One day for Koh Nang Yuan and the sunset at Sairee, one day for snorkeling, one day for the south coast including Shark Bay, John Suwan, and Freedom Beach, and one day as a reserve for bad weather or a coastal hike. An open water diving course adds four days to the trip, and many who come for just one night end up staying for several weeks.

    For beaches, bars, and proximity to most dive schools, Sairee is recommended. Those who prefer a quieter atmosphere and nearby restaurants can snorkel directly from their accommodation in a bay on the east coast, such as Tanote. My Koh Tao travel guide describes the boat connections from Samui and Bangkok, and my Koh Tao accommodation guide covers all areas and hotels.

    Plan the rest of your trip.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions about activities in Koh Tao.

    Take the first water taxi to Koh Nang Yuan, hike up to the viewpoint above the sandbar, and snorkel off the beach before the day trips begin. Snorkeling with the turtles in Shark Bay in the early morning is an equally rewarding alternative.

    Plenty of options. Snorkel off the beaches of Shark Bay, Aow Leuk and Tanote, take a snorkeling tour around the islands, climb the viewpoints of John-Suwan, Mango and Love Koh Tao, hike the coastal path from Mae Haad to Chalok and fill the rest of your time with Muay Thai, climbing, a cooking class or the fire shows on Sairee.

    250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children, plus approximately 250–300 baht per person for the round trip by water taxi from Sairee; from Mae Haad Pier, the price will be correspondingly higher. Plastic bottles are prohibited on the island.

    In Shark Bay on the south coast, where green sea turtles graze in the shallow water and small blacktip reef sharks are often spotted before about 9:00 am, you can enter for about 200 baht via the Haad Tien Beach Resort or for free via the small public beach at the western end.

    Sunset on Sairee and the fire shows after dark, the coastal hike to Haad Sai Nuan, Tanote Bay, Shark Bay from the free public beach, and Wat Koh Tao, the island's temple. Most viewpoints charge an entrance fee of 20–100 baht.

    Book a cooking class, a Muay Thai or yoga session, or a massage, and save the pool and theory sessions of the diving course for the worst weather conditions. Rain falls mainly from October to December, with 445 mm of precipitation recorded at the Ko Samui station in November.

    Experience the sunset and fire shows on Sairee, take part in the pub crawl from Chopper's, visit the evening show at Queen's Cabaret or witness a boxing match at Monsoon Gym.

    Four nights are recommended if you're not diving, for Koh Nang Yuan, a snorkeling trip, the south coast, and an extra day. For an open water course, you should plan for another four days.

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