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The viewpoints in Koh Tao are arguably some of the best in Thailand. In this article we tell you everything you need to know to visit these beautiful viewpoints in Koh Tao to help you plan a visit in 2026. We will also share locations, top tips, prices to make your visit as cheap and enjoyable as possible.
Many people flock to Koh Tao for the beautiful diving. It is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive. Koh tao also boasts golden beaches and crystal clear waters. But there are also a couple of stunning viewpoints to enjoy on this small but hilly island.
Map of the best viewpoints in Koh Tao
1 The John-Suwan viewpoint: The double bays
One of the BEST viewpoints in Koh Tao is called the John-Suwan viewpoint. The iconic double bay viewpoint is located on a cape at the south tip of Koh Tao. As you stand at the view point and look back inland you can see two bays curving in: Shark bay and Chalok Ban Kao bay. It takes around 20 minutes to trek up to the John-Suwan viewpoint from the carpark at the bottom.
- Entry tickets are required – 50baht (around £1 or $1.20)
- Opening hours 8am – 7pm
The path is steep and very rocky and is challenging to climb in sections. We recommend good footwear (trainers are recommended rather than flip flops). There are a couple of sections where there is a rope to help pull you up rocks. The viewpoint is located on a rock. Be super careful as there are some sheer drops at the viewpoint. Here is a summary of the key details:
- There is an entrance fee of 50 baht (£1 or $1.20) to hike up to the John-Suwan viewpoint. The ticket office is located in the carpark near the start of the trail.
- The John-Suwan viewpoint is a great spot for sunrise and sunsets
- It is free to access the John-Suwan before the ticket office opens at 8am
- After visiting the John-Suwan viewpoint you can also visit freedom beach (a great spot for a west facing sunset)
You can also stay at a resort near the John Suwan viewpoint – that overlooks the cape. The Koh Tao Resort: Paradise Zone, has amazing suites with private bath tubs and jacuzzis with excellent views of this remarkable area.
Check out the Family Suite with Jacuzzi to see what we mean.
2. The Nang Yuan island view point: Sandbar islands
The Nang Yuan island has one of the best viewpoints in Koh Tao. Nang Yuan island is a small island located off the northwest coast of Koh Tao. To get to this small 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 along this section. For a good affordable boat service try contacting Bong (+66 96 685 6822). A good 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, from here you can pay the entrance fee. To get to the viewpoint, walk across the sandbar. The view point is on the smaller south island. Walk around the wooden walkway and then follow the steps up the hill.
It takes around 10-15 minutes to walk up to the viewpoint. Take care at the viewpoint, there are some steep drops. To get to the actual viewpoint rocks you need to scramble over rocks a little to the end. After enjoying the Nang Yuan viewpoint there are some beautiful beaches with crystal clear water to enjoy snorkeling or swimming. Don’t miss our full guide to snorkeling day trips on Koh Tao. There is a small cafe on the island serving food and drinks. The prices are pretty high by Thai standards.
- The entrance fee to the Nang Yuan islands and viewpoint is 250 baht (around £5 or $7)
- It costs around 200 baht per person (£4 or $5) for the return boat trip if you go from the north of Sairee beach and you’re willing to barter. 300 baht is a reasonable price (£6 or $8)
- Nang Yuan island is a no drone zone
- No plastic bottle policy on the island
- Food and drink is expensive on the island (bring water in a non-plastic bottle)
- The Nang Yuan island is open for visitors between 9.30am – 4pm
You can also stay on the Nang Yuan island at the Nang Yuan Island Dive Resort. You can often find AMAZING discounts for this resort on Agoda.
Top tip: We recommend spending a day at this stunning location. Agree on a return boat time and take the phone number of your boat driver.
What do you need to bring to visit the viewpoints in Koh Tao?
- Light loose fitting clothing
- Good shoes (trainers rather than flip flops)
- Water (non-plastic bottle)
- Snacks
- Bring factor 50 suncream
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Swimming stuff (snorkel and mask if possible!)
- Change of clothes
- Mosquito repellant
- Camera
- Dry Sack
When is the best time to visit the viewpoints in Koh Tao?
We recommend visiting the viewpoints in Koh Tao during the dry season (January – June) and aiming for good weather days. If it is too windy or stormy the viewpoints can be risky. Also if the sea is too rough boat drivers may not be willing to go to Nang Yuan island. The John-Suwan viewpoint is great at
Is it safe to visit the viewpoints in Koh Tao?
It is relatively safe to visit the viewpoints in Koh Tao as long as you are careful and take precautions. Both of the viewpoints that we have recommended (John-Suwan and Nang Yuan) have some big sheer drops. However, there are areas that are sufficiently wide and reasonably flat to enjoy the viewpoints. Take special care if you are taking photographs at the viewpoints. It is easy to lose balance and disconnect from your environment if you become distracted by photography. We also recommend taking measures to protect yourself from the environment with suitable footwear, clothing and sun protection (especially if you plan to visit during the hottest parts of the day). As ever we cannot accept any responsibility for accidents or injuries sustained from this or any other activities or attractions that we share on our website.
AND FINALLY, don’t miss these other AMAZING things to do in Koh Tao
