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Looking for things to do in Koh Tao in 2024? It can be hard to find up to date accurate information in a world that has changed so dramatically. We have traveled Koh Tao extensively to bring you a fresh up to date guide with all of the latest information on things to do in Koh Tao.
Koh Tao is a beautiful tropical paradise island located in the southeast of Thailand. It is a super popular spot for diving – and you will find the island is packed with dive resorts and schools. There are so many things to do in Koh Tao from beautiful beaches, panoramic viewpoints and adventurous day trips. In this article we will review and recommend some amazing things to do in Koh Tao and give you all the key information to help you plan your trip.
Travelling to Koh Tao with kids? Don’t miss these amazing things to do in Koh Tao with kids
Map of the main things to do in Koh Tao
This map shows all of the things to do in Koh Tao that we recommend in this article. Click on the pins for more information.
What shops and amenities can you get in Koh Tao?
In addition to all of the amazing things to do in Koh Tao, it is pretty developed as an island. There are several ATM machines on the island and a couple of Seven Eleven convenience stores. They also have one larger supermarket. Koh Tao also has a very good range of restaurants offering a variety of local and international dishes. You can find burgers, wraps, salads, sushi, French and Italian food and much more. Koh Tao also has plenty of coffee shops and some bakeries. It is possible to buy a wide range of useful products such as nappies, hygiene products, cosmetics and
What are prices like on Koh Tao?
Before looking at things to do in Koh Tao its worth considering your budget…
Prices in Koh Tao are higher than prices in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and the Thai mainland. Expect to pay around 20% more for many products (compared to the mainland). Koh Tao is still relatively cheap compared to many other destinations around the world. These prices are a rough guide to help you budget for your trip:
- Laundry – expect to pay 40-50 baht per kg for washing and drying with a 24 hour service (this is not too bad by Thai standards)
- Water – there are no street side water fillers in Koh Tao. Expect to pay around 15 – 20 baht for a 1.5 liter bottle of water.
- Food – Thai street food starts at around 80 baht per dish. International food normally starts around 100 baht per dish depending where you eat. You can easily spend 200 – 300 baht per person for a nice meal in Koh Tao.
- Activities Things to do in Koh Tao range in price. Snorkeling day trips are pretty cheap starting at around 500 baht per person for the day (not including island fees). Diving courses tend to be pretty expensive ranging from around 8,000 baht – 12,000 baht.
- Accommodation – it is pretty hard to find the lowest end of budget accommodation in Koh Tao. Many places charge at least 800 baht or more per night (this is roughly £16 or $20). At the cheaper end you can find some accommodation for around 500 baht per night (roughly £10 or $13). More expensive resorts are likely to start from 3,000baht per night. At the higher budget end you will be surprised how far your money goes.
What is the best way to get around in Koh Tao?
With so many things to do in Koh Tao it’s worth planning the best way to get around for your trip…
If you are planning to stay close to the main pier it is possible to walk around Koh Tao without needing any other transport. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops along Ao Mae (main town) and Sairee Beach – and if you plan to stay in this area you probably don’t need your own transport. However if you are planning lots of things to do in Koh Tao – consider your own transport.
The cheapest and most convenient way to get around in Koh Tao is to rent a motorbike. Bike rental starts at around 150 baht (£3 or $4) per day if you shop around (especially if you’re willing to rent for longer). It is easy to find bikes for 200 baht per day (£4 or $5). There are plenty of bike rental shops near the main pier in Koh Tao. Petrol costs around 50 baht per liter (around £1 or $1.30)
Taxi apps do not work in Koh Tao. You can find taxi vans around Koh Tao. Drivers typically charge 150baht or more to take a trip to other beaches (a few kilometers). This is pretty expensive for Thailand. Also, once you have been dropped off, it is much harder to find taxis for the return trip – so it may be worth negotiating a round trip price if you’re planning to go somewhere more remote.
1 Visit the John Suwan Viewpoint
The John Suwan is a stunning viewpoint located at the south tip of Koh Tao. This is one of the more intrepid things to do in Koh Tao. As you look back towards the Koh Tao mainland you see two bays curving in framing the panoramic oceanic landscape of this beautiful tropical island. Before you visit, it is important to be aware that this viewpoint is located high on some rocks.
There are some big drops at this location. Also be aware that the path up to the John Suwan viewpoint is a steep rocky path with ropes up some sections. This route is only suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness and appropriate footwear. It costs 100 baht to visit the John Suwan viewpoint and the ticket desk is open from 8am – 7pm.
If you arrive before 8am you do not need to pay for an entrance ticket to the viewpoint. The trek to the John Suwan viewpoint is a steep rocky trek. You can also visit Freedom beach from here.
OH yeah – Don’t MISS our in depth guide on the Koh Tao viewpoints
2 Visit Shark Bay
Shark Bay is a beautiful bay located on the south east coast of Koh Tao. Shark Bay is named after the black tip reef sharks that can be seen swimming in these waters. Turtles are also often seen swimming in this bay feeding on the coal on the seabed. The beach itself is a relatively quiet beach – being more remote than other beaches in Koh Tao. Is it safe to swim at Shark Bay in Koh Tao? Whenever you step in the water you are taking a risk.
However, you are not guaranteed to even see a shark if you do swim at Shark Bay. The snorkeling day trips often include Shark Bay in their itinerary. Furthermore, the sharks are Black Tip Reef Sharks. These are a relatively timid shark species and therefore don’t generally swim near people. So, it is relatively safe to swim at Shark Bay – but we always encourage people to assess the risks themselves.
3 Visit Nang Yuan island
Visiting Nang Yuan island was genuinely one of our favorite things to do in Koh Tao. Nang Yuan island (เกาะนางยวน) is a small island a few kilometers off the north west coast of Koh Tao. Just south of the island are two smaller islands, one of which has a path leading up to a viewpoint. This is the iconic Nang Yuan viewpoint which allows you to see these beautiful islands which are connected by two sand bars. It is possible to walk along these sandbars between the islands. The waters around Nang Yuan island are very clear and beautiful. The shallow waters around the sandbar give the water a breathtaking turquoise color. There is a small cafe on the island serving food and drinks. The prices are pretty high by Thai shandards. Remember sunscreen and if possible bring plenty of water in a non-plastic bottle. The Nang Yuan island is open for visitors between 9.30am – 4pm
It is easy to visit Nang Yuan island as a day trip from Koh Tao. If you are planning to do a snorkeling day trip around the island, it is likely that it will include a stop at Nang Yuan island. To get to Nang Yuan island you need to arrange a boat from Koh Tao. From the north side of Sairee beach the boat ride takes around 15 minutes. The cheapest way to find a boat is to go to the walking street near the Grand Beach Resort at the north side of Sairee Bay. You will see boats advertised in this area.
For a good affordable boat service try contacting Bong (+66 96 685 6822). A fair price for the return trip is around 150 – 200 baht per person. You can also get boats (including long tail boats) from the main pier in Koh Tao. From the main pier expect to pay 800 – 12,00 baht for the boat return trip (this is roughly £16 – £24 or $20 – $30).
Boats normally drop you off at a pier in Nang Yuan. From here you can pay the entrance fee. The entrance fee to the Nang Yuan islands and viewpoint is 250 baht (around £5 or $7). To get to the viewpoint, walk across the sandbar. The viewpoint is on the smaller south island. Walk around the wooden walkway and then follow the steps up the hill. Take care at the viewpoint, there are some steep drops at this location. To get to the actual viewpoint rocks you need to scramble over rocks a little to the end. It takes around 10-15 minutes to walk up to the viewpoint.
4 See fire dancers on the beach
Sairee beach is certainly the main event in Koh Tao if you’re looking for nightlife, parties and good vibes. There are plenty of resorts, bars and restaurants along the length of Sairee beach – and these are generally open late into the night. In the evenings (from around 7pm) you can often find fire dancers performing at bars along this beach.
These fire performers are highly skilled and very impressive. If you catch them performing by the water, the reflection makes an incredible visual display. This is definitely one of our MUST NOT MISS things to do in Koh Tao. Many of the other beaches are much quieter and more secluded.
5 Snorkeling tour
Read our full guide on snorkeling day trips on Koh Tao
This is probably one of the BEST VALUE things to do in Koh Tao – and essential for anyone who wants to experience more of the underwater beauty around the island. There are several companies offering snorkeling day trip tours around Koh Tao island. In the water you are likely to see lots of beautiful rocks and reef. You are likely to see lots of fish. There is also a good chance that you will be able to see sea turtles and black tip reef sharks. The exact itinerary is weather dependent. These trips normally include 5 or more stops to snorkel and explore. Some of the stops may be pretty brief (as short as 30 minutes). Many of the boats come equipped with a jumping platform and slides on the back. The snorkeling tours normally include the following things (check on booking):
- Two way transfer to and from your resort
- Snacks and drinks
- Lunch
- Equipment (normally snorkel and mask but no fins)
- Life jackets
- Underwater filming and photography
Snorkeling tours do not generally include entrance fees. For a Koh Tao day trip you are likely to only need to pay 250 baht for admission to Nang Yuan island. We recommend booking your trip a day or two in advance. The best time of year to do a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao is between the months of February – May (especially March and April) when the water is particularly calm and clear.
This was one of our favorite things to do in Koh Tao. We recommend Oxygen Tour Koh Tao for an amazing snorkeling day trip around the island.
6 Jungle trekking
If you’re more interested in jungle hills than beaches you can also enjoy trekking in Koh Tao. There are several trails that lead up into the hills from different points. There are several peaks, viewpoints and beaches you can trek to. If you are planning to go trekking in Koh Tao we recommend bringing along a good offline map. Bring suitable trekking shoes (not sandals or flip flops). Wear light loose fitting clothing. Bring sun protection and mosquito repellant. We also recommend bringing food and plenty of water. Be aware that some places around the island do have entry fees (e.g. The John Suwan viewpoint, Freedom Beach and Mango beach).
Here are a few Koh Tao treks
- Trek from the Phandara Luxury villas up to the west coast viewpoint. From here you can trek to Tanote peak and other viewpoints.
- Trek around the north of the island: take the road to Ao Hin Wong and then turn left. Follow the road up and then turn left up the trail to the Mango Bay north viewpoint. From this area you can also trek to Mango bay (100 baht entry fee).
7 Take a diving course
Learning to dive is one of the most iconic things to do in Koh Tao. Koh Tao is famous for its amazing diving. This is genuinely one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive. There are plenty of diving schools available offering a range of courses (introduction to diving, open water diving and advanced courses). There are SSI and PADI schools. The course lengths vary and what is included in the course depends on the school. Some dive resorts offer all inclusive packages – which include accommodation and food. Some courses include training sessions in a diving pool, other schools carry out all of their training in the ocean. Learning to dive is genuinely challenging. There are lots of new concepts, terminology and skills. BUT it is so worthwhile. Once you have a certificate, the world of diving opens up to you. You can take cheaper fun dives and refresher dives at dive schools around the world. The ability to see and experience the remarkable underwater habitats generates such a deep sense of respect and wonder.
8 Stay in a resort with a view
If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Koh Tao, look no further. Take a stay at the Koh Tao Resort Paradise Zone. You can stay in this luxurious resort which is located on a steep hill overlooking the Chalok Baan Kao bay on the south of Koh Tao. This remarkable resort has stunning suites which feature bathtubs and jacuzzi overlooking the ocean and mountains.
We highly recommend the spacious and luxurious Family Sea View Suite. This has a large terrace area with an outdoor jacuzzi. This room also affords a panoramic view of the stunning John Suwan cape.
For a small additional cost they will include a tasty breakfast. We have traveled for many years and stayed in some pretty amazing place – this is definitely one of our personal favourite things to do in Koh Tao. RESERVE HERE For amazing DEALS on the Koh Tao Resort.
9 Eat, drink, swim and then eat some more
No list of things to do in Koh Tao would be complete without some mention of food. We love the beach resorts and bars in Koh Tao. One of our favorite spots is the KoPPee Espresso Bar & Restaurant located on the Chalok Baan Kao beach to the south of the island. They serve a range of Thai and Western dishes. The quality of the food and drinks is excellent and this place has a really nice vibe. They also have a diving pool on site (3m deep). Customers are welcome to use the pool freely. This is a great spot for families to unwind and enjoy some very tasty comfort food. We particularly recommend the waffles and the burgers are excellent too.
10 Try out the trapeze
If you’re looking for brave things to do in Koh Tao you can learn trapeze. This is essentially a swinging bar that you hang from and perform tricks. On the top platform you will be fitted with a waist harness and attached to a safety line. If you try out the trapeze you will learn to swing holding with your hands, to swing holding the bar by your legs and you will be taught to attempt a catch – where another person will catch you from a different swing. Below the swings is a large net. The trapeze school run introductory group classes. This is a lot of fun as an activity – especially if you have never tried trapeze before. However, it is on the expensive side for activities in Koh Tao. The standard price for a 90 minute group class is 1,500 baht (around £30 or $40) but they may offer small discounts of a few hundred baht.
11 Relax with a Thai Massage
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Koh Tao, consider a Thai massage. There are many small spas around the island offering a range of treatments. Most of the spas can be found around the main town (near the Koh Tao pier) and along Sairee beach (walking street). Thai massage normally involves rubbing, kneading, applying pressure and stretching your body to release tension. Prices range between 300 baht – 500 baht depending on your preferred treatment (this is roughly £6 – £10 or $8 – $13). We can recommend these two massage spas:
Mai Thai Massage near the Koh Tao pier
Paradise Massage on Sairee Beach
12 Push your limits free diving
If you’re looking for challenging things to do in Koh Tao consider taking a free diving course. There is an Apnea free diving school located at Sairee Beach. Free diving courses normally take 1-2 days and include the following training: Learning about breathing techniques and equipment. Practicing methods to increase breath hold times and equalize for pressure. Different types of free diving and techniques for moving in the water. They also teach you safety rules for free diving and rescue procedures. Free diving courses also involve plenty of practice where you are accompanied by an instructor deep into the water. Successful courses will normally teach you to do 3 minute static breath holds and teach you to descend to at least 10 – 15m in the water using a line. If you complete the course successfully you will qualify as a certified free diver. You can then use your new found skills to swim deeper and longer and explore the beautiful reefs in Koh Tao.
13 Go paddle boarding
If you’re looking for things to do in Koh Tao to experience the gorgeous coast line, consider renting a paddle board. This is a lovely family friendly activity. You can normally rent paddle boards for around 100 baht per hour (roughly £2 or $2.50). To find a paddle board try the beach resorts along Sairee Beach. Alternatively, the Big Fish beach resort has a paddle board to rent.
Alternatively consider renting a Kayak. This is a great way to explore some of the quiet reef around the island and try snorkeling.
14 Eat Thai Street food
Trying some local food should definitely be on your checklist of things to do in Koh Tao. You haven’t visited Koh Tao unless you eat BBQ fish, chicken and papaya salad. You can often find street side stalls serving BBQ food, sticky rice and spicy salads for very reasonable prices. Be warned, the salads are super spicy and a lot of fun. They often include papaya or mango, chillies, palm sugar and they may also include other treats like crab meat. Salads generally cost around 60 baht (£1.20 or $1.50) and BBQ fish or chicken normally costs around 80baht (£1.60 or $2.00) depending on the size. There is a lovely little BBQ cafe called Joy Cafe located near the central ferry pier on the “down street” (there is a one way system here).
THE BEST things to do in Koh Tao depends on YOUR preferences and goals for your trip. Hopefully we have given you a good idea of the amazing range of things to do in Koh Tao.
