There are several interesting viewpoints on Koh Tao. Most are somewhat difficult to access if you don't know the way. The John Suwan Viewpoint is the easiest viewpoint to reach on Koh Tao and offers magnificent views, especially at sunrise. It's located in the south of the island, near Freedom Beach, and is named after its discoverers, Mr. Suwan and his friend Mr. John. The John Suwan Viewpoint on Koh Tao is not accessible by car or scooter. A path leads up from the parking lot at Freedom Beach. The climb isn't very difficult, although there are some slightly rough sections where ropes are provided for support. In my experience, the greatest risk of falling is on the descent. It can also be a bit slippery in rainy weather. Allow about 15-20 minutes for the walk from the parking lot to the top. Once there, you'll be rewarded with a fairly expansive view, only partially obscured by trees. To the right, you can watch the sunrise over Shark Bay (Tian Og Bay). You can also watch the sunset from there, although it's not quite as convenient to enjoy the view. The John Suwan viewpoint is surprisingly not very well-known and relatively empty. When I was there at dawn, right in the middle of peak season, I only met one other couple. It seems to be busier during the day. Around 11 a.m. is probably the rush hour. Although the climb to the John Suwan viewpoint is quite short, you should definitely bring water! And don't wear flip-flops, wear sturdy shoes.

Entry to Freedom Beach and the John Suwan Viewpoint costs 50 THB. There's a small booth in the parking lot where you can pay the fee. However, if you, like me, drive up to the John Suwan Viewpoint for sunrise, it's far too early for anyone to ask for the entrance fee. According to my information, no one collects the 50 THB before 9:00 AM, but don't be surprised if you are asked for it! This price also grants you access to Freedom Beach.

The ride from Sairee Beach to the John Suwan Viewpoint by scooter or car takes about 15 minutes. You should also allow this time for the trip to Freedom Beach, as the remaining distance to the viewpoint must be covered on foot. You can arrange for a pickup (Koh Tao taxi) to drop you off, wait for you while you hike up to the viewpoint, and then bring you back. The price depends on your bargaining skills. I can't give you an exact price, as I negotiated a four-hour tour for 1,000 THB (there were four of us).

How to get there

How do you get to the John Suwan viewpoint? By scooter or car, it takes about 15 minutes from Sairee Beach to Freedom Beach, as the rest of the way to the viewpoint is on foot. You can ask a taxi (known as a "pickup" in Koh Tao) to drop you off there, wait for you while you climb to the viewpoint, and then bring you back. The price depends on your bargaining skills. I can't give you an exact price, as I negotiated a four-hour tour for 1,000 baht (there were four of us).