Travel Guide to Koh Tao Island

Koh Tao 

Koh Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand. Located in Koh Tao Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. The island is shaped like a pea. The island is located in the northwest of Koh Phangan, about 45 kilometers away, with an area of approximately 21 square kilometers. There is Koh Nang Yuan, a small island in the northwest. There is a sandbar connected to Koh Tao in the same way as a separate sea. There are beaches and bays such as Laem Ta Toh, Ao Luek, Khin Keaw, Koh Kong, Sai Daeng, Tanote Bay, Chalok Bay, Thian Bay, Laem Thian, Ang Muang, Jun Juea Bay, Sai Nuan Bay, Jansom Bay, Shark Bay, and Sairee Beach. There are also scuba diving spots. It is a diving site where beautiful coral reefs are plentiful with various aquatic animals attracting divers from all over the world.

How to get to Koh Tao as follows :-

1.Traveling by private car to Koh Tao to get on the boat at Thung Makham Noi pier, Chumphon 

2. Traveling by bus Koh Tao from Bangkok, Khao San Road, there is only one company operated name Lomprayah high speed boat company

3. Traveling by train to Koh Tao, get off at Chumphon Railway Station or pick up at Chumphon town center

4. Traveling by plane from Chumphon Airport to Koh Tao 

Traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Tao

1.Traveling by plane to Koh Tao from Surat Thani Airport.

2.Traveling to Koh Tao from Samui Pier

3.Traveling by private car to Koh to get on the boat at Donsak Pier.

4.Travelling to Koh Tao from Tapee pier (Suratthani province) 

King Rama V Rock and Statue

His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, visited Koh Tao. He inscribed his initials on a rock at Laem Jor Por Ror, the southernmost point of Sairee Beach. Nowadays, the carved stone and statue of King Rama V is one of the objects of worship for all Koh Tao residents and Thai tourists

Sairee Beach

It is close to Mae Haad Bay. It takes only 10 minutes to walk. It is the longest beach of Koh Tao with a length of almost 2 kilometers. It is a very popular beach where you can swim and clearly see Koh Nang Yuan Island 

Tanote Bay

Located on the east coast of Koh Tao surrounded by mountains and green forest. The highlight is the big rock. It is a popular spot for foreigners to jump into the Sea. Ao Tanote has a clean white beach and the size is quite wide. It is another spot to see the beautiful sunrise on Koh Tao. Ao Tanote is home area for sea turtles that may not be seen very often

John-Suwan Viewpoint

Located at Laem Ta Toh area Opposite Freedom Beach Resort and located on the south coast of Koh Tao. It is a beautiful viewpoint that can see a high angle view of Koh Tao and is a point where you can see the curves of 2 bays between Ao Thian and Ao Chalok which is a viewpoint that you should not miss when visiting to Koh Tao

Shark Island

A small island 800 meters south of Koh Tao is a popular snorkeling spot especially on the northwest side from Koh Tao can arrive at Kong Sai Daeng or Sahrk Island by boat or kayaking from Ao Luek or Sai Daeng Beach

1.Koh Tao Montra Resort & Spa

Located on Mae Haad Beach not far from the main pier on Koh Tao. The hotel has a large three-level outdoor swimming pool. There are also basic and professional scuba diving centers for those who are interested in diving as well.

2.Cape Shark Pool Villas

Luxury 5-star hotel overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, It takes only 5 mins walk from Ao Luek Beach, 4 km from Sairee Beach and 3 km from Mae Haad Pier and Ferry Pier. The studio room and 5-bedroom villas are decorated in a simple and modern style.

3.Jamahkiri Dive Resort & Spa

Luxury resort in a cozy building. This beachfront property is 6 km from Tanote Bay and 7 km from Mango Bay. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, rooftop lounge, gym yoga class, Thai massages, a spa and a PADI-certified diving center are also available.

4.Haad Tien Beach Resort 

Luxury resort located on a private beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. It is 2 km. from John-Suwan View Point and Mae Haad pier - Chumphon. It is a cozy villa decorated with wood. The restaurant offers a good view, open air, including an Italian restaurant and a beach bar with hotel facilities such as swimming pool, luxury spa with whirlpool and sauna and there is also a PADI Dive Center

5.Koh Tao Simple Life Resort

Located only 100 meters from Sairee Beach, the resort offers a diving school center, a full-service spa and free WiFi. Facilities include an outdoor pool, massage services and a spa pool. and island tour service

1.Barracuda Roof Top Restaurant & Bar

The popular Barracuda RoofTop restaurant and bar offers a relaxing atmosphere and a place to relax. In the heart of Sairee Beach, delicious food in a 5-star atmosphere with beautiful sunset views on Koh Tao.

Open daily from 14:00 p.m. - 00:00 a.m.

2.Blue Heaven Restaurant

Secret restaurant, good view and famous delicious food of Koh Tao, Thai food menu and spicy southern food. There are seats to choose for open air with a natural breeze zone, indoor and rooftop seats. The atmosphere outside that can be seen mountain view and a beautiful sea view

Open daily from 08.00 a.m. - 21.00 p.m.

3.The Gallery Restaurant

Fusion Thai restaurant on Koh Tao, located at Sairee Beach which is focused on authentic Thai food and each dish is beautifully decorated. The view around the shop has many seating areas to choose from and you can also see the beautiful sunset atmosphere along with delicious Thai food at the same time.

Open on Monday, Wednesday-Sunday 15.00 p.m.-22.00 p.m.

4.Thaita Italian Restaurant

The Italian restaurant on Koh Tao opened in 2006 with a variety of food each as Italian, Mediterranean, European, Tuscan, Sicilian, Central Italian and Southern Italian. Collection of Italian food menus original flavors, service quality and excellent food taste.

Open daily from 19.00 p.m.-22.30 p.m.

5.Whitening Sairee

A popular restaurant established over 20 years ago on Koh Tao, located on Sairee Beach. Decorated in clean white tones, there are both Thai and international dishes and outstanding in the freshness of seafood. The seat has a deck section with a beautiful atmosphere to see the panorama seaview in 360 degrees. 

Open daily from 11:15 a.m. to 22:45 p.m.

Snorkeling trip

Although Koh Tao is a small island, but it is rich in coral reefs that are complete and beautiful. Even for snorkeling, you can feel that beauty. You can snorkel around Koh Tao all year. You can find marine animals such as parrotfish, angelfish, triggerfish or stingrays, and some spots also have blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles. Popular snorkeling spots recommended by each tour such as Koh Nang Yuan, Ao Muang, Ao Hin Wong, Ao Luek and Ao Thian Og.

Scuba diving trip

Koh Tao has some of the most beautiful scuba diving spots on the list. All resorts on Koh Tao also provide accommodation and diving courses. Koh Tao has more than 20 dive spots around the island, the depth of which ranges from 10 to 40 meters. Popular diving spots such as Hin Bai Diving Point, Rock Formations, Tung Ku South west pinnacle (Southwest), Chumporn Pinnacle, Twin Peaks, Nang Yuan pinnacle , Shark Island, Sattakut Wreck dive site. This former US World War II Navy vessel that runs 48 m in length along the sea bed was sunk, Peewee Stone, White Rock, Japanese Garden, Green Rock, Ao Muang, Ao Luek and etc.

Kayaking

Another option for sightseeing other beaches and bays around Koh Tao and can also stop at each point to snorkel as well before kayaking. Please always check the weather, wind and waves the day before paddle. To check the tides and wind waves also can find a kayak rental spot by the beach.

Motorcycle rental

Another option for traveling around Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike to visit another  beach or various viewpoints around the Island. Motorbike rentals on Koh Tao start at 150-300 baht per day depending on the shop service, size and style of motorcycle. When renting, they will ask to keep your ID card, passport or money as a deposit in case of accident

Thai boxing

Muay Thai training stations in Koh Tao such as Island Muay Thai, Island Muay Thai, Monsoon Gym & Fight Club and Pankom Muay Thai. They provide monthly packages including accommodations for those looking for the full Muay Thai experience.

One day trip snorkeling 5 highlights (pick up from Koh Tao) 

Itinerary 

 09:00-9:40 Pick up from your resort to Mae Haad Pier. (depending on accommodation) Check in at oxygen tour Koh Tao office

 10:00 a.m. Check and prepare  before departing from Ban Mae Haad Pier

 10.30 am. First snorkeling spot is Koh Nang Yuan which is one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world, It has 3 beaches together and another point that you should not miss for take photos at the island's hilltop viewpoint on the south side.

After on board and have lunch together on the boat.

 13.20 pm Snorkeling at Ao Muang or Ao Light House, one of the most popular bays on Koh Tao.

 14:30 p.m. Snorkel at Ao Hin Wong. This area is full of beautiful coral reefs

 15.00 pm Snorkeling around Ao Lue

 15:30 p.m. last point is a smart black fin. You will experience the magic of sharks that come to swim for you to see impressively

 16.00 pm. Time for return to Ban Mae Haad Pier.

 17:00 pm. The car transfer you to drop off at the resort

Tour Included 

- Shuttle service (except high hill and Ao Muang, please recheck pick up area available again)

- Lunch 

- Drinking water and fruit

- Life jacket

- Snorkeling equipment (no fins)

- Free photography service

- Jumping area and slides

- Big boat with toilet

- Guides are available

- Accident insurance 

Tour Excluded ❌Entry fee to Koh Nangyuan❌

Foreigner Adults: 250 baht,  Children: 120 baht.

Day trip in Koh Tao 

Snorkeling pot inKoh NangYuan

Ao Muang or Ao Light House

Ao Hin Wong

Ao Luek

Smart black fin 

In this article, we have the details of how to get to Koh Tao, Boat schedule, Tourist spots in Koh Tao, Hotels, Restaurants & Cafes. Activities in Koh Tao also Koh Tao is not far from Koh Phangan, a popular island for the Full Moon Party  1-2 times a month, Koh Tao is an alternative for tourists to come and relax. Learning scuba diving courses both theory and practice in the fertile and beautiful sea and also enjoying a full moon party if by chance came during the event

Full Moon Parties in 2023

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Thursday, August 31, 2023

September 29, 2023

Friday, September 29, 2023

Monday, October 30, 2023

Monday, November 27, 2023

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Boat schedule from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan. Please contact us for more information.