Ko Tao

Things to Do in Koh Tao Island, Thailand 

Diving in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is mostly known as a diving destination, with many visitors leaving with an Open Water Diver certification. Explore the stunning coral formations filled with turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, barracudas, and, if you're lucky, even whale sharks.

Some popular dive sites include the underwater sculptures of Ocean Utopia, the HTMS Sattakut wreck, Lighthouse Bay, Japanese Gardens, Chumphon Pinnacles, and numerous others. You'll find plenty of diving shops in Mae Haad offering daily trips and training courses.

Visit Koh Nangyuan

Explore Koh Nangyuan, a group of three small islands near Koh Tao. You can reach them by boat for a low cost. The beach that connects the islands is a famous spot for picture-taking. It can get crowded, so visiting early in the morning is best for fewer people around. Don't miss the chance to explore this beautiful island cluster!

Explore Sairee Beach

Sairee Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Koh Tao Island. It has many bars and restaurants where you can hang out at night. Even though it's the longest beach there, it can get really busy because it's close to Mae Haad. Mae Haad is a lively area on the island known for its vibrant atmosphere and is a hub for budget-friendly accommodations and activities.

See sharks at Haad Tien

At Haad Tien, also known as 'Rocky Bay,' you can find one of the cleanest beaches on Koh Tao. Even though it's a bit far from Mae Haad, it gives you clear water and a clean, beautiful beach. This area has only a few high-end resorts, making it a more exclusive spot. It's nicknamed 'Shark Bay' because you can see blacktip reef sharks while snorkeling in the waters.

Enjoy the views at Mango Viewpoint

Mango Viewpoint, or Mango Bay, located in the northern hills of the island, gives you panoramic views of Mae Haad and Sairee Beach. You can get there by hiking from the 7-Eleven in Sairee or by navigating a steep path on a motorbike.

Take note that there's a small fee to reach the viewing platform, with the proceeds aimed at improving the road to the viewpoint.

Hike to Two Views 

If you're feeling adventurous and up for a challenge, try hiking to Two Views, located at the highest peak on Koh Tao. You can start your journey from Sairee, and it includes a circular trail. At the viewpoint, there are a couple of restaurants where you can take a break before heading back down.

Enjoy breathtaking sights of Sairee Beach towards the west and Tanote Bay towards the east. On clear days, you may even catch views of Koh Phangan, Ang Thong National Marine Park, and Koh Samui.