KOH TAO
Koh Tao, or “Turtle Island”, is a paradise nestled in the Gulf of Thailand. It is globally famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and incredible marine life.
Renowned as one of the best and most affordable places worldwide to get scuba certified, the island maintains a laid-back, bohemian charm, blending stunning nature with an adventurous spirit.
Most Popular Attractions
Coastal Hubs & Main Beaches:
Sairee Beach: The longest and most popular beach on the island, famous for its lively atmosphere, abundance of beach bars, restaurants, and spectacular sunset views.
Mae Haad Pier: The island’s main arrival and departure point, with the nearby King Rama V Monument commemorating the monarch’s visit and a small strip of sand.
Chalok Baan Kao Bay: The second-largest bay, offering a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with shallow waters and resorts on the island’s southern end.
Freedom Beach: A small, picturesque beach on the southern peninsula, known for soft white sand and easy access to the John Suwan Viewpoint.
Shark Bay (Thian Og Bay): Famous for easy snorkeling right off the shore, with frequent sightings of blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles.
Tanote Bay: A beautiful eastern bay known for its excellent snorkeling, surrounded by large boulders, including one popular for Cliff Jumping.
Ao Leuk Beach: A wide, sandy bay ideal for beginner snorkelers, with shallow, clear water and thriving coral near the entrance.
Sai Nuan Beach: A secluded, unspoiled beach perfect for a quiet escape, featuring two small bays and a laid-back feel.
Jansom Bay: A small, tranquil bay with crystal-clear water, often accessed through a resort area for a small fee.
Taa Toh Bay: A quiet beach on the south side, known for its tranquil atmosphere and a perfect vantage point for sunset viewing.
Hin Wong Bay: A remote northeastern cove, offering deep-water snorkeling and a rugged, secluded feel, often reached by boat or an adventurous hike.
Sai Daeng Beach: A beautiful location on the south coast, popular for snorkeling and kayaking with a view of Shark Island.
Underwater Wonders & Dive Sites:
Scuba Diving Certification: Koh Tao is a global hub for learning to dive, offering affordable Open Water (PADI/SSI) Courses at numerous dive schools across the island.
Koh Nang Yuan Island: A unique, stunningly beautiful neighboring island composed of three islets connected by a famous white sandbar.
Japanese Gardens: A sheltered snorkeling and shallow dive spot off Koh Nang Yuan, known for its vibrant coral gardens.
Chumphon Pinnacle: A deeper, offshore dive site famous for attracting large marine life, including barracudas and occasional Whale Shark sightings.
White Rock: One of the most frequently visited dive sites, known for abundant reef fish, coral, and its size.
Twins Pinnacle: A beginner-friendly dive site known for its two main rock formations, popular for buoyancy practice.
HTMS Sattakut Wreck: A decommissioned World War II vessel intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef for advanced divers.
Scenic Views & Land Adventures:
John Suwan Viewpoint: Considered the most spectacular panorama, offering breathtaking views that frame both Shark Bay and Chalok Baan Kao Bay.
Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint: The iconic viewing point that offers the quintessential, postcard-perfect view of the connected islands and sandbar.
Mango Viewpoint: A popular northern viewpoint for sunset, offering refreshments and a hammock to take in the sprawling views over Sairee Beach.
Love Koh Tao Viewpoint: A scenic spot in the interior that provides beautiful views overlooking the east coast and Tanote Bay, often featuring a cafe.
Hiking the Coastline: Scenic trails, particularly the hike from Mae Haad to Chalok Baan Kao, which passes several secluded bays.
Muay Thai Classes: Opportunities to train in the traditional Thai martial art at local gyms like Island Muay Thai.
Wat Koh Tao Temple: The island’s only Buddhist temple, offering a quiet, cultural break from the beaches and dive shops.
Activities & Experiences
Get Your Scuba Diving Certification (Open Water Course): Koh Tao is one of the world’s most affordable places to learn. Expect to pay around $275 – $410 USD for a PADI or SSI Open Water course, typically lasting 3-4 days and including 4 dives.
Go Fun Diving or Snorkeling: Certified divers can join fun dives (starting from around $25 – $35 USD per dive for a package). For non-divers, take a full-day snorkeling tour (approx. $21 – $35 USD) to the island’s famous bays.
Visit Koh Nang Yuan Island: Take a longtail boat to this iconic island, famous for its three linked islets and the stunning sandbar that connects them. The viewpoint hike is a must-do.
Hike to John-Suwan Viewpoint: Conquer the steep but rewarding trail at the southern end of the island for one of the most spectacular panoramic views, overlooking Chalok Baan Kao and Shark Bay.
Take a Thai Cooking Class: Learn to master classic dishes like Green Curry, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum from a local chef. Classes often include a market trip and cost around $25 – $40 USD.
Try Muay Thai: Sign up for a beginner’s class or a full training session at a local gym in Sairee. This is a great workout and a fun way to engage with Thai culture.
Go Rock Climbing or Bouldering: The island has numerous granite boulders and cliffs, offering excellent spots for both beginner and experienced climbers.
Paddle a Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP): Rent gear (around $3 – $5 USD/hour) and explore the calm waters of bays like Tanote Bay or Aow Leuk.
Watch the Sunset at Sairee Beach: Grab a beach mat or a spot at a bar along Sairee Beach, the island’s longest, for a spectacular view as the sun dips below the horizon.
Experience a Fire Show: Enjoy a high-energy fire spinning show at a beach bar along Sairee Beach at night.
Go on a Yoga or Wellness Retreat: Several resorts and studios offer drop-in classes or multi-day retreats focusing on yoga, meditation, and detox.
Hunt for Whale Sharks: While not guaranteed, the months of April and May are peak season for whale shark sightings at local dive sites like Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock.
Local Tips & Transport
Scooter Rental is Popular, but Risky:
Renting a scooter (motorcycle) is the cheapest and most flexible way to explore (approx. $5 – $7 USD per day), but the roads are steep, often unpaved, and accidents are very common. Only rent a scooter if you are an experienced rider and always wear a helmet.
Rental Scam Warning: Be sure to inspect and photograph the bike thoroughly with the rental agent before you leave, as rental shops are known for charging tourists exorbitant fees for pre-existing damage. You are typically required to leave your passport or a cash deposit.
Alternatives to Scooters:
Walking: The main hubs—Sairee, Mae Haad, and Chalok Baan Kao—are compact and very walkable. For longer distances, however, the heat and steep hills make it a challenge.
Taxi Cabs: These are typically pickup trucks with covered beds. They are significantly more expensive than the mainland and often charge per-person, with fares starting around $11 – $15 USD for short trips between the main towns. Share a ride if possible. There are no ride-hailing apps like Grab.
Longtail Boats: These traditional water taxis are a fun and scenic way to reach more secluded beaches that have difficult road access (like Aow Leuk or Shark Bay). Negotiate the price with the captain before getting in (approx. $8 – $15 USD for a short one-way trip).
Getting to/from the Ferry Pier: Most hotels and dive resorts will offer a free or cheap pick-up/drop-off service to and from Mae Haad Pier. Arrange this in advance with your accommodation.
Cash is King, but ATMs are Plentiful:
The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). While most large dive shops, resorts, and restaurants accept credit cards, smaller vendors, food stalls, and local taxis are cash-only.
ATMs are widely available, but be aware of the high international transaction fee (220 THB, or approximately $6 USD) charged by Thai banks on top of any fees from your home bank. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees.
Diving Safety and Environment:
Choose a Reputable Dive School: While prices are cheap, don’t just pick the cheapest option. Look for schools with small class sizes, well-maintained equipment, and positive reviews regarding safety.
Protect the Reef: Never touch the coral or marine life. Always use reef-safe sunscreen (free of oxybenzone and octinoxate).
Nightlife and Social Scene:
Sairee Beach is the center of the island’s nightlife, with beach bars, live music, and fire shows. The atmosphere is generally lively and social.
Island Party Culture: Be mindful of the party atmosphere. If you plan to dive, ensure you follow safe dive-to-fly/dive-to-altitude guidelines and are not dehydrated or hungover before getting in the water.
Hidden Gems & Local Spots:
Mango Viewpoint (or Sairee Viewpoint): Offers a great view of Sairee Beach, though the hike is steep.
Aow Leuk Beach: A beautiful bay on the east coast, known for excellent snorkeling right off the beach.
Mae Haad Pier Area: Explore the small, traditional local market and food stalls near the main pier for authentic and inexpensive Thai food.
Chalok Baan Kao: A quieter, more relaxed bay compared to Sairee, offering a more local feel.
Respect the Culture:
Thailand is a Buddhist nation, and the monarchy is highly revered. Always be respectful of images of the King and the Buddha.
Dress respectfully when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees).
Never touch a Thai person’s head, and never point your feet at a person or a sacred object, as the head is considered the most sacred part of the body and the feet the lowest.
Top Restaurants
995 Roasted Duck [$5-$10] – A humble but legendary spot on Sairee Beach Road, famous for its succulent roasted duck served over rice or with noodles. The line out the door is a testament to its quality.
Tukta Thai Food [$5-$10] – A true local gem slightly tucked away, offering a wide menu of traditional Thai dishes with generous portions, including excellent plant-based options.
Su Chilli [$5-$10] – Located in Sairee, this popular and reliable restaurant is known for its delicious, authentic Thai curries and stir-fries, with a very friendly staff.
Blue Chair Thai Food [$5-$10] – A no-frills, small, and cozy restaurant in Sairee, known for doing all the classic Thai curries and stir-fries incredibly well.
ChuChu Thai Food [$5-$10] – A popular and budget-friendly Sairee village eatery known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and excellent Pad Kra Pao and curries.
Mama Piyawan’s [$5-$10] – A popular spot among backpackers and locals for its tasty Thai food, large portions, and very low prices.
Yangs Restaurant [$5-$10] – A simple wooden restaurant on the main road, renowned for offering outstanding value for money, good portions, and flavorful, authentic Thai dishes.
Pork Leg Thaifood Restaurent (Joe Pork Leg) [$5-$10] – A must-try humble spot specializing in tender, slow-cooked Khao Kha Moo (pork leg on rice) served in a rich, fragrant broth.
Rabiangmai Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located right by the Lomprayah pier in Mae Haad, offering consistent quality Thai food, including fresh whole seafood, with a lovely waterfront view for people-watching.
The Gallery Restaurant [$20-$35] – A unique gourmet Thai dining experience, often offering a 10-course “Trust the Chef” no-menu set dinner of authentic, largely forgotten traditional Thai cuisine. Reservations are essential.
Fizz Beachlounge [$10-$20] – Located directly on Sairee Beach, this is a beautiful spot known for its exceptional grilled seafood platters, comfortable bean bags, and stunning sunset views.
Seaside Restaurant [$10-$20] – A family-owned hidden gem with a peaceful ambiance, perched on cliffs overlooking Sairee Beach, specializing in fresh grilled red snapper and seafood curry.
Barracuda Beachfront [$10-$20] – The more casual, toes-in-the-sand location of Barracuda, specializing in fresh seafood and a fusion of Thai and Mediterranean flavors.
Whitening Bar & Restaurant [$10-$20] – An elegant Sairee Beach restaurant with all-white decor, known for its exceptional seafood and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special meal.
Goodtime Adventure Beach Club [$10-$20] – A great spot in South Mae Haad for upscaled dishes, offering some of the island’s best seafood and burgers right on the beach.
La Pizzeria da Claudio [$10-$20] – An Italian-owned and run restaurant in Sairee serving what many consider the best wood-fired pizzas on the island, made with thin, crispy crusts and quality ingredients.
The French Market [$10-$20] – Located in Mae Haad, this cozy bistro, run by a French couple, offers authentic French pastries, baguettes, charcuterie, and gourmet dishes, doubling as a high-quality deli.
Barracuda Rooftop Restaurant & Bar [$10-$20] – Famous for its inventive seafood and meat dishes, blending classic Thai tastes with Mediterranean influences and modern cooking methods, served from a rooftop with great views.
Harmony Koh Tao [$20-$35] – A unique dining experience that seamlessly blends Western comfort food with bold Thai flavors, focusing on premium local ingredients like Thai Wagyu beef and artisanal cheeses.
Breeze Koh Tao [$20-$35] – Offering an eclectic array of modern international cuisine and creative cocktails, this Mae Haad spot is known for its fusion menu and superb location.
Lebowski Restaurant [$10-$20] – Tucked away in Chalok, this cozy, unpretentious spot serves surprisingly authentic Catalan (Spanish) cuisine, like bomba and home-style stews, all made from scratch.
Flaming Hog BBQ [$10-$20] – Offers an authentic taste of American BBQ, with big portions of smoky ribs and chicken, served with sides like mashed potatoes and salads.
Shalimar Indian Cuisine [$10-$20] – The most popular Indian restaurant on the island, serving a variety of North Indian dishes with different specials every day.
Thaita Italian [$10-$20] – A great choice for home-cooked Italian food in Sairee, known for its fresh, handmade pasta dishes.
The Terrace at Jamahkiri [$20-$35+] – Perched on a hillside in the south, this restaurant offers an upscale ambiance, a refined menu of fresh seafood and international flavors, and absolutely breathtaking panoramic ocean views.
The Cape Restaurant [$20-$35] – Located on a hill at View Point Resort, this spot provides luxury dining with stunning views, offering a fusion of Thai and Western flavors, including premium seafood and slow-cooked meats.
Ivantxu Espacio Bistronómico [$30-$50] – A modern bistro that offers a playful and high-quality take on classic Andalusian cuisine.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
FIZZ Beachlounge: Located directly on Sairee Beach, this chic bar offers a bohemian-luxe setting with giant beanbags right on the sand. It’s renowned for its extensive cocktail menu, mellow tunes, and being a top spot for watching the spectacular Koh Tao sunset.
Maya Beach Club Koh Tao: A bustling beachfront location on Sairee Beach that offers a unique setting with its stage built over the ocean. It’s perfect for sipping cocktails during the day and transitions into a lively spot with DJ sets and a chic design for a fun night out.
Lotus Bar: Situated right in the heart of the action on Sairee Beach, this classic venue is ideal for sunset viewing with a cold drink or one of their famous “buckets.” It features nightly fire shows that are a signature part of the island’s evening entertainment.
The Gold Bar: An elegant yet welcoming spot located centrally in the Sairee village area, known for expertly crafted cocktails and a more refined atmosphere compared to the beach party scene.
BND Beach Club: A multi-level venue on Sairee Beach that connects the main street to the sand. It features a beer garden, a lounge area, and a rooftop, making it great for early evening happy hour cocktails with a view.
Tattoo Bar: A perfect, laid-back beachfront bar, primarily located in the Sairee area, offering sunset views and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a cocktail or one of their acclaimed burgers.
Arcadia Koh Tao: Found right on the sands of Sairee Beach, this bar is a great place to start the evening with refreshing cocktails and a chill vibe while enjoying the sunset.
Jah Bar: Nestled off the main drag near Sairee Beach, this bar offers a lively atmosphere with a focus on reggae, good music, and delicious drinks, making it a favorite local hangout.
Serve Chilled Roof Garden: A hidden rooftop escape located in Mae Haad Bay, offering a calm, open-air space with a 180-degree ocean view. It’s the perfect backdrop for signature cocktails made with fresh local fruits.
Banana Rock Bar: Situated next to Sai Nuan Beach and high up, this uniquely built, rustic bar offers stunning views and a chill-out atmosphere, making it a must-visit for sunset drinks away from the main hub.
Sunset Seaview Bar & Restaurant: Located high up on the west coast, offering panoramic views. It’s named for a reason—it’s a spectacular spot for a sunset cocktail with beanbags and a relaxed ambiance.
The Little Bar Koh Tao: A tropical, charming spot on the island, ideal for a refreshing drink in a laid-back setting, often found slightly tucked away from the main streets in Sairee.
Dream Bar: Found in a lively part of the island, this bar offers a vibrant atmosphere and stunning island views, making it a great place for fun cocktails.
The Smoking Dead Craft Bar & Grill: While specializing in craft beer, this unique bar in the Sairee area also offers a distinct atmosphere, complete with wooden decor and a chill, welcoming vibe, a good alternative for non-cocktail lovers.
Natural High Cafe: A peaceful retreat set atop a hill with breathtaking vistas near Shark Bay, where you can sip a cooling drink and watch the sunset in tranquility.
Fishbowl Beach Bar: A legendary backpacker and island hangout on Sairee Beach. This is one of the main late-night spots, hosting live music, beer pong, nightly limbo, and fire shows, followed by DJs who keep the party going late.
Leo Evolution: Often considered the only truly traditional, fully air-conditioned nightclub on the island, located in the Sairee area, perfect for those who want a classic club experience with DJs and dancing into the early morning.
Chopper’s Sports Bar: A popular Australian-owned sports bar and a central hub in Sairee, known for hosting the famous Koh Tao Pub Crawl. It features live music, sports screenings, and a lively vibe that makes it an excellent pre-game or late-night spot.
Escobar: A high-energy “jungle party” spot located high up in the hills on the road to Mango Bay. It features a huge dancefloor, two stages with local and international DJs, and a mechanical bull for a truly unique night out.
Secret Party: An international techno and house music event held in a jungle setting near the road to Tanote Bay. This is the go-to for serious electronic music lovers who want to dance until the sun rises.
Moov Bar: Located in the Mae Haad area just off the main road, this club is a destination for late-night partying, with special club nights and a rotating list of DJs playing until the early hours.
The Local: Found in the Sairee area, this popular venue offers a welcoming atmosphere with chilled beers, classic cocktails, live music, and regular events like pub quizzes and karaoke nights.
Queen’s Cabaret: A unique and must-see nightlife experience located in Sairee. While more of a show venue than a traditional club, its nightly, vibrant drag performances are highly entertaining and often lead to audience dancing after the show.
Waxx: An after-party destination, often opening late, that focuses on underground music like house, minimal, and techno, for those who want to keep the night alive near Mae Haad.
Real Moon Party Koh Tao: The island’s take on the famous Full Moon Party, this large jungle event is located close to the Secret Party location and features a huge dancefloor and sound system, catering mainly to the techno crowd.
AC Bar Beach Club: Located on Sairee Beach, this venue is known for hosting pool parties at night, offering a vibrant atmosphere with music, cocktails, and a pool to relax in, especially if you want an alternative to dancing on the sand.