Koh Tao, or 'Turtle Island', is a stunning tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its tropical waters and lush landscapes, this small island is a haven for backpackers and young travellers who come here for the easy accessibility to the dive sites and the famously low prices. Being one of the world's most popular destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling, Koh Tao attracts diving enthusiasts of all levels who come to explore its coral reefs and diverse underwater scenery, and revel in its laid-back atmosphere.
Life on this island is pretty much entirely geared towards scuba divers, and you will find cost of the daily fun diving, courses for learning to dive, and places to stay, all to be highly affordable. Though once a retreat exclusively for backpackers, things have changed over the years and now upwardly-mobile travellers also stay here in 3 or 4 star resorts.
There are more than 25 sites within close proximity [More information on these dive sites: Koh Tao, as well as the more remote Sail Rock], which means you can spend the morning scuba diving and the afternoon lazing around the pool or exploring the island. Beyond its aquatic wonders, Koh Tao offers plenty of charming beaches, cozy accommodations, and a thriving nightlife scene with full moon parties. The island's welcoming community, delicious Thai cuisine, and opportunities for hiking, yoga, and paddleboarding, make it a versatile destination suitable for both thrill-seekers and those in search of relaxation. Whether you're looking to earn your diving certification, bask on serene beaches, or immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, Koh Tao promises an unforgettable experience.
Whichever option you choose, stays of 5+ days are ideal. These dive packages normally include diving, scuba equipment rental, and refreshments.
Key Koh Tao Travel Details
The Climate and Best Time to Visit
December to February is the 'Dry Season'. Sunny Skies are typically sunny, with cooler air temperatures (29°C), and minimal rainfall. This is a great time for scuba diving, and many consider this the best time to visit Koh Tao due to the pleasant weather and calm seas. March to May is the 'Hot Season'. The weather is hot and humid, with temperatures peaking around 35°C. The diving conditions are again good at this time of year although some visitors may feel uncomfortable due to the intense heat. October to November is the "Rainy Season', with frequent but short rain showers, rough seas, and occasional storms. Diving conditions may be impacted, and ferry services can be disrupted. The transition months of June to September offer a mix of sunny days and occasional showers. These months are less crowded than the peak dry season, offering a balance between good weather and fewer tourists. Furthermore, it is an ideal time for diving, as underwater visibility is often good during these months. If you are interested in visiting to see a whale shark, these great creatures are most frequently encountered here in March and April, or in September and October. Check out our dive site descriptions for details of the conditions in the Koh Tao diving season.
How to Get There
Koh Tao does not have an airport so, one way or another, you will need to arrive by boat, either from the mainland or from one of the nearby islands. Most visitors arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao through Samui Island, Surat Thani, Chumphon, or Nakhon Si Thammarat.
From Koh Samui
The most convenient way to get to Koh Tao is from Koh Samui. The Seatran Discovery high-speed ferry leaves from Bangrak Pier (Big Buddha Pier) which is close to Koh Samui International Airport. Ferries run 3 times daily and travel time is 2 hours. The daily Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran from Mae Nam Pier is slightly faster. Songserm from Nathon Pier is a more budget-friendly option, but travel times may be longer. You can book the ferry ticket with a minibus transfer when you arrive at the airport or from countless tour booths dotted around the island. Please see our Koh Samui tourist information page for details on how to get there.
From Bangkok
Since Bangkok is a huge traveller hub, many visitors will arrive here. There are several options:
The most popular route is to buy an economy bus and ferry combo ticket. This daily transfer service runs from Khao San Road in Bangkok to Chumphon by road, then uses the ferry to Koh Tao. It takes nearly 10-16 hours. Lomprayah and Songserm operate this service (see website links above).
Fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui (see above), Surat Thani, Chumphon, or Nakhon Si Thammarat, then catch the ferry. There are close to a dozen different low-cost domestic flight providers in Thailand.
It is also possible to catch the sleeper train to Chumphon, then catch the ferry. These trains are more comfortable than the bus as they have sleeper carriages. The boat companies provide free transfers between their piers and the train station.
If you happen to be on Phangan Island prior to your visit, it's very simple to get to Koh Tao. Simply catch a daily ferry service from Seatran Discovery, Lomprayah or Songserm. The journey takes just over 1 hour.
From the Andaman Coast
There are 2 options for travelling to Koh Tao from the popular tourist centres of the south - Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Khao Lak:
You can fly from Krabi or Phuket international airports to either Koh Samui, Chumphon or Surat Thani, then catch the ferry boat service (see details above).
Or you can purchase a minibus/boat ticket to Koh Tao, available from any good travel agency in those areas.
We recommend you consider taking out insurance to cover your diving package and travel activities, including trip cancellation. See our insurance programme for a competitive price:
Where to Stay on Koh Tao
There is a wide variety of accommodations on Koh Tao. Choices range from swanky 4 star beach resorts to backpacker dormitories, with everything in between. There is sure to be something that suits your taste and pocket on hotelscombined.com, our affiliated hotel reservation specialists. Make your browse and book from their full range of Koh Tao resort options, use their on-line chat, or simply use your credit card to make a booking. And whichever option you select will be backed up with their 'Low Price Guarantee' to ensure you get value for money.
Sightseeing and Things to Do
Koh Tao is one of the world's most popular destinations for scuba diving, snorkelling, and even has free-diving schools. However, there are still a few other things to do on the island. Koh Tao's rugged terrain offers spectacular views and there a few popular spots to hike to. John-Suwan Viewpoint has panoramic views of Chalok Baan Kao and Shark Bay, Love Koh Tao Viewpoint overlooks lush forests and the Gulf of Thailand, and Two Views Viewpoint offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Shark Bay and Chalok Baan Kao are ideal starting points to explore hidden coves by kayak or paddleboard. You can rent the equipment from beach resorts or local vendors; morning outings offer calmer waters and cooler temperatures. Tanote Bay is a popular and safe spot for cliff diving off boulders into deep water. Renting a motorbike allows visitors to discover hidden beaches and local villages at your own pace. Yoga classes are on offer at various studios around the island, as are Thai cookery classes.
The Beaches
The island is blessed with many stunning beaches and bays, ideal for relaxation or to enjoy water sports such as snorkelling. At nearly 2 km long, Sairee Beach is the longest and most popular beach on Koh Tao. It is located on the west coast 1 km north of Mae Haad Pier and flanked by resorts hidden among the palm trees. You can swim, sunbathe, or play beach volleyball. It has nightlife with beachfront bars and restaurants, and is perfect for socialising and meeting other travellers. Just to the north is the picture-perfect Koh Nang Yuan, 3 islets connected by a sand bar. The shallow coves surrounding the island are ideal snorkelling spots, and there is a short and easy 15 minute walk to the view point. You can get there by longtail boat. Along the north coast is Mango Bay, accessible by boat or a challenging hike. It is a secluded beach with excellent snorkelling spots. Along the east coast, Hin Wong is a large undeveloped bay of clear water surrounded by boulders, with a few bungalows between. The marine life is prolific here, and so the snorkelling around the rocky outcrops is particularly good. There are sting rays, and lots of schools of fish, both large and small. Kayaking around the bay is a popular activity here. Further south but also on the east coast and surrounded by high green hills is Tanote Bay. This picturesque cove is popular with divers, but also for those that enjoy cliff jumping in to the sea from the large boulders. There are some restaurants and you can easily arrive by road. There are several beaches and bays in the more populous south. Chalok Baan Kao Bay is another one of the largest beaches on the island. Located in the south close to the town of Chalok, the beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring nearby viewpoints like John-Suwan Viewpoint. Ao Leuk is a protected cove with a scenic beach that you can use for a small entrance fee. The bay is deep and the sides are lined with coral reef. Shark Bay has a striking fine white sand beach and is another popular snorkelling spot. Black-tip reef sharks can be found here, as well as large green turtles. There are several luxury resorts, which make great spots for lunch and to take in the idyllic scenery. Freedom Beach is a secluded spot on the southern point of Koh Tao. Currents flow here so you can always find schools of fish. There is also a good view of Buddha Rock from here and several walking trails lead off to other beaches or to viewpoints. Turtles and reef sharks can both be easily spotted in the sea at Sai Daeng Beach. It is a quiet, hidden away beach with a great view of Shark Island, which you can kayak out to in under 30 minutes. Sai Nuan Beach is 2 beaches that re separated by a rocky outcropping. It has shallow turquoise water and shady palm trees. Snorkelling and diving are popular here, with plenty of turtles, batfish, snapper and unicornfish. There are a few beach huts and lazing hammocks.
Restaurants and Entertainment
Koh Tao offers a wide range of dining options that cater to various tastes and budgets. Whether you're craving authentic Thai cuisine, fresh seafood, or international fare, the island has it all. You will find a vast number of places to eat in all the major conurbations like Sairee Beach, Chalok Baan Kao Bay and Mae Haad. Thai and seafood specialty restaurants are the most common, but you will also find burger joints, pizzerias, trendy cafes, even a couple of vegetarian and vegan specialty outlets. There are also plenty of street food stalls, and a night market at Mae Haad. The nightlife offers a mix of excitement and relaxation, making it perfect for travellers of all tastes. Whether you're dancing until dawn or enjoying a quiet drink under the stars, the island has something to offer. There are plenty of beach bars in Sairee, some with live music, DJs, fire shows, and happy hours. There are pubs with craft beer and big-screen TVs for sports enthusiasts. The Castle in Chalok Baan Kao is an open-air nightclub hosting electronic music events and themed parties, BND Beach Club in Sairee Beach is a late-night hotspot for upbeat music and dancing. In addition to the regular entertainment, Koh Tao is also home to full moon parties. While Koh quieter than Koh Phangan for full moon celebrations, some bars still host themed parties for the occasion.
Shopping
Don't expect the island to be a shopping hub like Bangkok, but there are shops and markets catering to traveller needs, offering everything from beachwear and souvenirs to diving gear and local crafts. There is handmade jewelry, woven bags, and coconut shell crafts at small boutiques and local markets. Cheap snorkel gear can be found in many shops, and more high-quality diving equipment can be found in the larger dive centre. Haggling is generally not common in Koh Tao, but you may negotiate at small stalls and markets. We recommend you avoid buying handicrafts made from natural items from the sea because they have a negative impact on the sustainability of marine ecosystems.
Local Transport Options
Koh Tao's compact size makes it easy to explore. Getting around Sairee Beach, Mae Haad, and Chalok Baan Kao is best achieved on foot. Songthaews (shared open-air vehicles) are a budget-friendly transport option for longer journeys; they follow fixed routes or operate on demand (i.e. when full). Motorbikes and bicycles are available for rent and these can be a fun way to explore the island's beaches and viewpoints independently. If you prefer to explore from the sea, there are sea kayaks to rent, and also longtail boats for hire.
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