KOH TAO
Travel to Koh Tao
If diving with sea turtles, lazy beach days and island adventures sound like your kind of trip, Koh Tao won't disappoint. This tiny island is one of our absolute favourites in Thailand and a bucket-list destination for divers from all over the world. Whether you're travelling on a backpacker budget or looking for a little extra comfort, we'll help you put together a trip that suits your travel style.
Diving on Koh Tao
Diving on Koh Tao is one of the main reasons travelers visit this island. Known as one of the cheapest places in the world to get a PADI or SSI diving certification, Koh Tao offers crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, sea turtles and tropical fish. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there's no better place to explore the underwater world. Not quite ready to scuba dive? No problem. Snorkeling is just as rewarding, with plenty of reefs and marine life waiting to be discovered right from the shore.
Diving in Koh Tao
Other activities on Koh Tao
Koh Tao is packed with unforgettable experiences. Sairee Beach is the island's lively hub and the perfect base for exploring everything from world-class dive sites to hidden beaches and scenic viewpoints. Our travel experts can help you book all the essentials, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
Explore Koh Tao's beaches
Sairee Beach is the longest and most popular beach on Koh Tao. This is where you'll find most of the island's restaurants, bars and dive schools, making it the perfect base for your stay. Don't miss the spectacular sunsets.
Looking for a more laid-back vibe? Head to Chalok Baan Kao in the south of the island, where you'll find a quieter atmosphere, beautiful beaches and plenty of spots to relax.
Shark Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on Koh Tao. Despite its name, the bay is known for its harmless blacktip reef sharks, as well as sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. If you're lucky, you might spot them all during a single swim.
Visit the island Koh Nang Yuan
Just a short boat ride from Koh Tao, you'll find the iconic island of Koh Nang Yuan. Famous for its three small islands connected by a white sandbank, it's one of the most photographed spots in Thailand. Climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views, spend the day snorkelling in crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the beach. If you're travelling to Koh Tao, a trip to Koh Nang Yuan is an absolute must.
Viewpoints on Koh Tao
Koh Tao may be small, but it's packed with scenic viewpoints just waiting to be explored. Hike through the island's lush hills and you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the coastline, turquoise waters and neighbouring islands. If you're looking to see a different side of Koh Tao beyond the beaches, a trip to one of the island's viewpoints is well worth adding to your itinerary.
The nightlife on Koh Tao
When the sun goes down, Koh Tao comes to life! The nightlife at Sairee Beach is known for its beach parties, bars and fire shows. It's the perfect place to meet other travelers, dance on the beach, and just have a blast.
Diving with friends in Koh Tao
Cuisine on Koh Tao
The food scene on Koh Tao is just as memorable as its beaches and dive sites. From local street food stalls and cosy Thai restaurants to beachfront cafés and fresh seafood, there's something for every taste and budget. Sairee Beach is the island's main foodie hub, packed with places serving everything from classic Pad Thai and spicy curries to fresh juices and smoothie bowls. After a day of diving, snorkeling or exploring, there's no better way to end the day than with a great meal by the sea. Food is a big part of the Koh Tao experience.
Food scene in Koh Tao
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Frequently asked questions
Planning a trip to Koh Tao? Find answers to the most common questions from our travel experts.
That depends on what you're looking for!
High Season (December–April)
Expect plenty of sunshine, calm seas and excellent conditions for diving and snorkelling. The water is at its clearest during these months, making it the perfect time to explore Koh Tao's famous underwater world. As this is also peak travel season in Thailand, it's a good idea to book your accommodation and activities in advance.
Low Season (May–November)
Looking for fewer crowds and lower prices? The low season is a great time to visit Koh Tao. While you can expect the occasional tropical shower, rain often comes in short bursts and is quickly followed by sunshine. The island feels more relaxed, and you'll usually find better deals on accommodation and activities.
Getting to Koh Tao is part of the adventure. As there is no airport on the island, you'll need to arrive by ferry or speedboat. Most travelers fly to Koh Samui or Chumphon on the mainland of Thailand and continue by boat from there.
Ferries run daily and the journey is well worth it as you approach Koh Tao's turquoise waters and tropical coastline. Most boats arrive at Mae Haad Pier, where it's easy to grab a taxi and head to your accommodation.
Need help planning your route? Our travel experts can help you find the best way to get to Koh Tao and put together the perfect island adventure.
For most nationalities travelling to Thailand, a short-stay visa (under 60 days) is not required. Check what applies to you before you go to Thailand!
PADI and SSI are the most common certificates on Koh Tao. Both are internationally recognized and give you the right to dive all over the world.
Not necessarily. Koh Tao is a popular destination for backpackers, which means you'll find plenty of budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses and affordable places to eat. At the same time, there are also boutique hotels and resorts if you're looking for a bit more comfort. Whether you're travelling on a tight budget or treating yourself to a tropical getaway, Koh Tao has options for every type of traveler.
That depends on how much of the island you want to experience!
Short Stay (2–3 Days)
Perfect if you're island hopping through Thailand. You'll have time to visit Koh Tao's most famous beaches, enjoy a snorkeling trip and experience the laid-back atmosphere around Sairee Beach.
Recommended Stay (4–7 Days)
The ideal amount of time for most travelers. You'll have time to complete a diving course, explore the island's best beaches and viewpoints, take a trip to Koh Nang Yuan and still have plenty of time to relax.
Long Stay (1 Week+)
If you're planning to get your diving certification, explore hidden bays or simply enjoy island life at a slower pace, staying a week or longer is well worth it. Many travelers end up extending their stay once they discover just how much Koh Tao has to offer.
Getting from Bangkok to Koh Tao is easy and popular among backpackers and other travelers exploring Thailand. You can book a combined bus and ferry ticket that takes you all the way to the island in around 10–12 hours.
The journey starts with a bus ride from Bangkok to Chumphon on Thailand's mainland. From Chumphon, you'll continue by ferry to Koh Tao, which takes around 2–3 hours. Many travelers choose an overnight bus, allowing them to sleep for most of the journey and save on accommodation, but there are also daytime departures available.
The buses are generally comfortable and air-conditioned, making the journey a convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Koh Tao.
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